Favourites Germany are happy to face Portugal as underdogs

PRE-TOURNAMENT favourites Germany go into tonight's Euro 2008 quarter-final showdown with the slick Portuguese as underdogs - and that suits them down the ground.
Bookies installed Joachim Low's men as the side to beat this summer and the three-time champs seemed to justify their star billing when they beat Poland 2-0 in their Group B opener.
But the German juggernaut came to a grinding halt against Croatia before labouring to a 1-0 win over Austria, the lowest-ranked side in the finals.
Portugal, on the other hand, have looked classy in sweeping aside Turkey and the Czechs, with Cristiano Ronaldo steering the ship.
Just to make matters worse for the Germans, they could be without two of their top men in leading striker Lukas Podolski and key midfielder Torsten Frings.
But Germany are happy all the talk is of Portugal. In fact, their players have been joining in the praise ahead of the crunch clash in Basle.
Bastian Schweinsteiger said: "I think Portugal are the strongest team here.
It's not only Ronaldo who is super, it's also Simao, Deco, Moutinho. The whole team is full of players from top clubs and it will be tough to beat them.
"But if we succeed in executing what we want to do, it will be interesting."
The Bayern Munich midfielder scored twice from long range when Germany beat Portugal 3-1 in the third-place match at the 2006 World Cup.
He repeated that against Sporting Lisbon - both times beating Portugal keeper Ricardo - in the Champions League in 2006 and he now believes his nation have the psychological edge.
Schweinsteiger said: "This could play a role mentally but it's a new game.
"They have some new players and are a more mature team than two years ago. I expect a much tougher match because they are the best team here."
With a quarter-final berth already secured, Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari rested Ronaldo, Deco and six other first-choice players in the team's 2-0 loss to co-host Switzerland so it's no surprise they are free of injury worries.
Germany were in action 24 hours later but Schweinsteiger doesn't think the extra day of rest will be a factor. He said: "This cannot be an excuse. We have to step on the gas pedal from the start and go for full power, otherwise we'll have no chance."
The clash will also see Ronaldo and Michael Ballack go head to head again.
Manchester United's main man has come out ahead this year against the Chelsea star and everything points to that continuing.
United edged the London giants for the Premiership title and also beat the Blues in the Champions League Final.
Today's match is likely to be decided by the two biggest stars on the field while Ballack will also be coming up against his future coach at Chelsea.
Scolari is taking over at Stamford Bridge after Euro 2008 so the Germany captain has some extra motivation.
Ballack said: "I am looking forward to this game. I know a few of their players and they are very strong individuals. It's not all about Ronaldo."
German keeper Jens Lehmann, who also has several years of Premiership experience, thinks there is a way to stop Ronaldo and has told right-back Arne Friedrich how to cope with the Real Madrid signing target.
Lehmann said: "At Arsenal we have found a way to stop him effectively and I've already talked to Arne about it.
"Iam not going to elaborate here but there are ways. Unfortunately, they also have other great players.
"Ronaldo can make the difference and he can be wonderful to watch - if you don't have to play against him."
Ronaldo said: "Germany have a great team. I watched the game (1-0 win over Austria) and saw nice football, very strong play. It's a very mature team.
"It will be a tough game but every team has weaknesses to exploit.
"Portugal are more about technique and with Germany it's physical strength. But it's not a problem for us because we have great experience. We know what we are going to do."
Ronaldo had the perfect season, winning the title and Champions League and hitting 42 goals to be crowned PFA Player of the Year and Football Writers' Player of the Year.
The attacker would love to round it all off in style with international glory in Switzerland and Austria.
He said: "Of course it's a dream of mine. We are going very well in training and confidence is strong."
Team-mate Petit is delighted to have "the No.1 player in the world" on his side rather than in opposition.
The Benfica midfielder said: "It's very good to have the best player on the planet in your team.
"Of course, we have other really good players but when he's having one of his inspired days it's fantastic for us."
Germany, who will have coach Low in the stand after being sent off with his Austrian counterpart on Monday, have not hit their best form so far while Portugal are coasting along.
But no one should doubt Germany's motivation and commitment.
Don't write them off just yet.