Portugal 2-4 Germany: Initial reactions and observations

Initial reactions and observations

• Germany dominated the game creating chance after chance leaving Portugal no room to breathe. The pace of the forwards, the runs of the wing backs, Gosens and Kimmich overwhelmed the Portuguese defence.
• Portugal upped the ante past the hour mark and managed to get a goal through Diogo Joto. It was a clever gameplan by Fernando Santos to sit back and catch the shaky German defence off guard — which they managed to do twice. However, they failed to hold the fort and conceded four goals. That forced them to play the remainder of the game on Germany’s terms but the damage was already done.
• Serge Gnabry, Joshua Kimmich and Robin Gosens were the standouts performers with Toni Rüdiger and Kai Havertz deserving a lot of praise as well.
• Overall, it was a great show by the Germans in Munich. Progressing past the group stage shouldn’t be a question unless they have a disaster class — which this team has often had— against Hungary.

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Fulltime! Portugal 2 : 4 Germany

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72’ — Another double substitution for Germany as Leon Goretzka and Niklas Süle come on for Kai Havertz and Ilkay Gündoğan.

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67’ — Goal! Jota pulls one back for Portugal.

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62’ — Double substitution for Germany. Robin Gosens and Mats Hummels are subbed off for Emre Can and Marcel Halstenberg.

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60’ — Goal! Robin Gosens gets goal number four for Germany.

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51’ — Goal! Kai Havertz gets the third goal for Germany!

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45’ — The second half is underway!

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Halftime observations and analysis

• Germany started strong with quick ball progression and created dangerous chances before going down to a brilliant counter attack. The main channels of attack were through the flanks with incisive runs from Gosens and Kimmich.
• Serge Gnabry’s opening hit was disallowed for offside in the 5th minute. The German forwards proved to be too mobile for the Portuguese defenders who preferred to rush the box and defend in numbers.
• Portugal have preferred to sit back and defend so far in the game. Leon Goretzka’s runs and threat in the box would give Germany more bite in the final third. He would be a good substitution to bring on against this Portuguese side.

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Halftime!

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39’ — Goal! Another own goal puts Germany ahead at 2-1!

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35’ — Goal! Ruben Dias equalizes for Germany!

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15’ — Goal! Portugal get the first goal with a quick counter.

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6’ — Serge’s opening goal doesn’t stand. Offside.

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5’ — Goal! Serge Gnabry opens the scoring for Germany.

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Kickoff! Germany’s second game in the Euros is underway in Munich!

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One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! Löw decides to go with zero changes.

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Losing your opening game of the tournament is never ideal, even if the loss happens to be against the world champions. Now that Germany have suffered a setback against France, Low and his players have to fight back hard to get their Euros campaign back on track.

Leon Goretzka is expected to return to the squad this time, but the Bayern Munich midfielder may not start owing to his lack of fitness. That could leave the midfield vulnerable, especially if the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes begin attacking a frail German pivot. However, Portugal are likely to leave some spaces behind their defense, which could give the likes of Thomas Muller and Serge Gnabry a chance to counterattack — something that was missing against France.

This could be one of Joachim Low’s last games in charge. He’s not been great these past few years, but some fans still believe he can recapture his magic. Let’s hope he can prove those fans right.

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Match Info

Location: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany

Time: 18:00 CEST

TV/streaming: ESPN+, Find Your Country

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