Germany's strong finish

Three goals during the run of play! The second half of the consolation game was fun to watch as four goals were scored, three of them during the run of play.

The first goal, by Germany's Bastian Schweinsteiger was a thing of beauty. From one angle, the ball seemed to change directions twice. Portugal's keeper was helpless. A few minutes later, Schweinsteiger's free kick was deflected into goal by Portugal's Petit, and at the 78 minute mark, Schweinsteiger completed his evening with a second rocket, a shot that kept curving away from Ricardo, who was helpless on all three goals. At the other end of the pitch, Oliver Kahn made several great saves, was beaten on a great cross from Figo to Nuno Gomes, and was a bit lucky just before the goal when a ball was headed at his leg while he seemed to be looking elsewhere upfield.

For Germany, a great way to end WC 2006; but for Portugal, not so good. And, in particular, for Cristiano Ronaldo, I hope a learning experience. He's got too much talent to squander with flops and dives. He got no breaks from the referee today, and deserved none, as he continued to fall with the slightest of touches. The crowd, partisan to be sure, jeered his every touch. Between now and Euro 2008, I hope he's able to redeem himself by playing smarter and by avoiding the drama. Apparently, as reported here, Germany's Lukas Poldolski won the FIFA young player award over Ronaldo in large measure because of "fair play" issues.