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Perhaps it was never to be Portugal year to win European Championship 2008. There was so much promise, so much hype around the players, and none greater than its star Cristiano Ronaldo. Yet to be honest, the 2-3 scoreline in Germany’s favor flattered Portugal.

There are several factors that contributed to Portugal’s loss.

1) Germany’s height advantage proved to be decisive in set pieces. Twice from free-kicks, Germany scored with headers deep inside Portugal’s penalty box. Ricardo Carvalho and Pepe were no match for the height of Klose and Ballack. Due credit must be given for Bastian Schweinsteiger for the delivery of the freekicks, for no amount of height advantage would suffice without an accurate delivery.

2) Portugal’s delivered blanks from the wings and corners. José Bosingwa, Portugal’s and future Chelsea’s rightback, made several enterprising runs into the right flanks, but his delivery could not match his enterprise. Simao, who usually delivered corners with precision, repeatedly over-hit his corners and crosses.

3) Germany played with far greater heart. They ran faster, despite having fewer days of rest. They defended in with 11 players when necessary and never wavered from the task until the end. Strikers like Klose and Podoski often ran from their positions to help in tackles and harressing players.

4) Teamwork that has been the hallmark of Portugal in previous games deserted them. Players lose their composure and tried to win the match on their own. Players like Simao, Nani, Cristiano Ronaldo, Deco were taking potshots from long range instead of playing the slick team football that have contributed to their success.

What a disappointing end to a promising start for Portugal. Perhaps its time for soul-searching and a new coach…