Germany became the first team to reach the Euro 2008 semi-finals after powering to a 3-2 win over Portugal in Basle on Thursday night.Luiz Felipe Scolari, who takes charge of Chelsea on July 1, saw his troops make a bright start but an early miss from Joao Moutinho proved costly as the Germans scored two goals in four minutes through Bastian Schweinsteiger's sidefooted finish (22) and Miroslav Klose's header from a free-kick (26).

Skipper Nuno Gomes pulled a goal back for the Portuguese on 41 and Cristiano Ronaldo, who later took the captain's armband, sent a curling shot inches wide of the upright on the stroke of half-time.

But Joachim Low, who was watching from the stands due to a touchline ban, saw his troops go 3-1 up and all-but seal their place in the semis with a headed goal from Chelsea's Michael Ballack.

Scolari sent on Nani and Helder Postiga from the bench and Portugal refused to give up hope, with Petit's 30-yard piledriver drawing a fine save from Jens Lehmann before Lukas Podolski whistled a 30-yard stinger narrowly wide.

The Euro 2004 beaten finalists made it 3-2 with three minutes left when Nani's superb left-wing cross was headed home by fellow sub Postiga to set German nerves jangling.

But Low's men held on for four minutes of added time to reach yet another semi-final at a major tournament - and end Portugal's bid for glory.

Moutinho should have opened the scoring on 20 but he steered Jose Boswinga's right-wing cross over the bar with his thigh.

Thomas Hitzlsperger chanced his arm with long-range efforts - but the Germans went ahead with a flowing move which saw Ballack release Podolski down the left flank, from where he crossed for Schweinsteiger to clinically slide home from close range.

It was 2-0 minutes later when Schweinsteiger this time turned provider, sending in a free-kick which Klose headed home with ease.

Gomes gave Portugal hope on 41 when Jens Lehmann parried a Ronaldo shot into the path of the striker, who did well to find the net.

After the break, Pepe headed a Simao corner over the bar from three yards, and the Germans pulled two clear once again when Ballack cheekily nudged Paulo Ferreira in the back to create room to head home another Schweinsteiger free-kick, with keeper Ricardo left stranded in no man's land.

Postiga's superb header on 87 set up a thrilling finish - but the Germans showed ice-cool composure to hold on for victory.

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