The match began rather slowly, with each side cautiously trying to find each other's weak spots. The excitement began in the second half when the hosts got three goals in 20 minutes with the help of 21-year-old left midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger. His first goal beat the Portuguese goalkeeper Ricardo with pace over his head. Only 4 minutes later, Schweinsteiger's free kick 30 meters from the left of the penalty box, driven low across goal, was connected with Petit's knee to become an own goal for Portugal. The German did not stop, and netted his second goal, which swerved away to the keeper's left, on the 78th minute.
Portugal were strong in possession but lacked punch in attack; unable to convert 57% possession into goals. Pauleta had two clear chances from 15 meters, but both times hit tame shots that did not trouble keeper Oliver Kahn, who was playing in his last match for the German national team. Portugal, however, were to get a consolation goal with the help of substitute Luís Figo, who almost immediately provided the precise distribution needed to unlock the German defence. A cross from the right wing on 88 minutes found fellow substitute Nuno Gomes at the far post, who dived in for the goal. Portugal did not manage to score more in the remaining few minutes, and the game ended 3–1, a result which gave the tournament hosts the bronze medals and left Portugal in fourth place.
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