Lothar Matthaus reaches a milestone when Germany play Portugal in Rotterdam but there are unlikely to be many celebrations to mark his 150th international.

Germany are all but certain to be heading out of the tournament whatever the result and Matthaus has been branded by many critics as the main reason for their downfall.

But the 39-year-old defender has hit back at the criticism he has received. He said: 'For 20 years, I have been breaking my bones for Germany. I don't understand how I've deserved all this.'

Matthaus came into Euro 2000 with nagging thigh injuries and a lack of practice. In the opening game, a 1-1 draw with Romania, he was a pale shadow of his old self, providing no leadership on the field.

But coach Erich Ribbeck stuck with him and the veteran made fewer mistakes against England but played a no-risk game, making few sallies forward.

Portugal, already in the Quarter-finals, have promised to keep their foot on the throttle. Coach Humberto Coelho said he may rest some players but added: 'This is a top international tournament and we have a responsibility. We won't be relaxing, we'll be trying to win the game.'

One problem facing Coelho is finding someone to fill the right back position. Secretario is suffering from a shoulder problem and Everton's Abel Xavier, who was replaced by Secretario against Romania, is still injured.