Germany thrash Greece to reach semifinals

Germany's Miroslav Klose celebrates after scoring a goal against Greece during their Euro 2012 quarter-final soccer match at the PGE Arena in Gdansk June 22, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

GDANSK, Poland - Germany showed their champion-level strength by sweeping past Greece 4-2 to reach Euro 2012 semifinals on Friday night.

Philipp Lahm's powerful strike, Sami Khedira's volley, Miroslav Klose's header and Marco Reus' last shot inspired Germany to keep 100 percent record at this tournament and play either England or Italy in the last-four battle in Warsaw on June 28.

Greece, who upset Russia to progress from Group A, failed to find their rhythm throughout this lop-sided match despite being boosted by Giorgos Samaras' 1-1 equalizer and Dimitris Salpingidis' late penalty.

The Germany's goal relays have refreshed their advantageous record against Greece by six wins and three draws, igniting the passions of the their fanatic supporters at the 39,150-capacity Gdansk Arena, where German Chancellor Angela Merkel also appeared in the stands.

Germany head coach Joachim Low made a bold selection by giving four changes to his starting lineup for the encounter. Jerome Boateng returned from suspension to his regular right defending role while two young wingers Marco Reus, Andre Schuerrle and veteran Miroslav Klose all made their first appearances.

The youngest squad at this tournament started solid and gave no chance to the opponents, dominating the game with a near 70 percent possession and 26 shots in total, which are three times than Greece.

Germany's Philipp Lahm (L) scores a goal against Greece's Michalis Sifakis past Kyriakos Papadopoulos (R) during their Euro 2012 quarter-final soccer match at the PGE Arena in Gdansk, June 22, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

The fullback Lahm showed his attacking talent with six minutes left in the first half. The German captain cut in from left flank, rounded a defender and struck a swerving shot near the edge of the area to send the ball in the dead corner.

Greece launched a counterattack 10 minutes into the second half when left winger Samaras ran onto a sharp pass to the near post and made a cool finish before a desperate save from Manuel Neuer.

However, the fans of Greece got another blow just after six minutes when Khedira in the middle of the area connected well with Jerome Boateng's pass to deliver a volley and restore Germany's lead.

The starting forward Klose proved his value in the 68th minute when he grabbed a header in the area to make it 3-1 and leave no suspense for the match.

Greece produced their last goal in the tournament by a well-placed penalty in the last minute of regular time after the young gun Reus fired in a Germany's fourth goal in the area.

Germany are now on a run of 15 consecutive competitive victories, refreshing their national team record.