When Angela Merkel hands out distinct and clear instructions, a German international simply cannot dismiss them. The brilliant performance Bastian Schweinsteiger produced during the German national team’s 3-2 (2-1) victory over Portugal in the quarter-final of the 2008 UEFA European Championship™ had much to do with an encounter in the stands at Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna. That’s where Schweinsteiger met the German Chancellor; he was forced to sit in the stands during the 1-0 win over Austria in the third group match as he was banned after being sent off for unsporting behaviour against Croat Leko. As at the 2006 FIFA World Cup™, “Schweini” and Mrs Merkel had a short chat.

“The Federal Chancellor said ‘Play like then – and don’t do something foolish’. And you have to do what the Federal Chancellor tells you”, Schweinsteiger disclosed before the match against the Portuguese.

But even Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel could not have possibly envisaged how Schweinsteiger would become the hero in the intensive encounter between Germany and Portugal. He scored the first goal for 1-0 himself (22nd), after a pass from Lukas Podolski, his friend with whom he enthralled the crowds during the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ and also plays with at FC Bayern Munich. The Bavarian then laid on further goals for 2-0 and 3-1 with two fantastic free kicks. Miroslav Klose (26th) and Michael Ballack (61st) headed the long, high centres into the net. “He showed impressive play and put a lot of pressure on the opponents. He has fully repaid our confidence. Bastian proved how valuable he is to us”, said national coach Joachim Loew.

Schweinsteiger left the pitch in the 83rd minute to thunderous applause from the German fans. He was by far the best player in a German team which produced several personal bests. Schweinsteiger had asked to be substituted as he had fulfilled the order the fight the opponents as long as his strength would allow. After one hour it started to rain on a warm evening in Basle. Schweinsteiger changed his boots as he feared for stability on the newly laid turf. He chose some with longer studs. This helped with the free kick. “I was worried that I wouldn’t be there in time”, Schweinsteiger said. He quickly ran to execute the kick, aimed the ball for Ballack’s head -- and the score was 3-1.

“Schweini” always appears to be at his best against the Portuguese. “He hurt the Portuguese in 2006, and he repeated it tonight”, said Loew, who had to watch the match from a VIP box and not from the coaching bench due to his ban. Schweinsteiger scored two goals with long shots during the 3-1 victory in the bronze medal match at the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ in Stuttgart. And he had assisted the third goal with another screamer. Schweinsteiger has proved a true nightmare, particularly for Portugal’s goalkeeper Ricardo. The attacking midfielder also hit past the international goalkeeper during a Champions League match between FC Bayern Munich and Sporting Lisbon. “It could well be that he doesn’t like me”, Schweinsteiger suggested.

But the Munich player, who has already earned 54 caps, was particularly happy to have met Loew’s demand. The coach had said Schweinsteiger would have to rehabilitate himself after the sending off against the Croats. “Bastian has a moral obligation”, the national coach had clearly stressed. “I am pleased that I was allowed to be in the starting side”, Schweinsteiger said. He had lost his regular place at the beginning of UEFA EURO 2008™, to his buddy “Poldi”, who grabbed the chance in the left midfield slot and scored the three German goals against Poland (2-0) and Croatia (2-1 defeat). “Schweini” was only a substitute, was shown the red card against Croatia and was therefore missing against Austria (1-0).

“Schweinsteiger in his shell” wrote the newspaper “Frankfurter Rundschau” in a portrait of the professional, who was also a good junior Alpine ski racer. “Schweini” spent his free time with his good-looking girlfriend Sarah in the German team hotel at Ticino, on Lago Maggiore. When he was finally chosen to play from the start of a match he showed a great act of defiance. He met the express wish of the Federal Chancellor and the demand of the national coach. Podolski was elected “Man of the Match” in the first game against Poland. After his gala performance in the quarter-final, Schweinsteiger was voted the best player, beating strong competition from Michael Ballack and Portuguese top stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Deco.