Die Mannschaft needs to bounce back soon to save their campaign in EURO 2020. Their dreadful start reminds them of their campaign in World Cup 2018. Their next opponent would still be the tough team, the reigning Champions Portugal. Thomas Muller and Co might feel confident due to the result in their last two head-to-head meeting in major international tournament. Germany won twice, in Euro 2012 and World Cup 2014 each without conceding. This is the right time to prove that they are still the daunting side CR7 and Co could not score back then.
Both teams’ previous matches
Germany was stunned by 0-1 defeat from France at the first game. They conceded by Matts Hummels’ own goal. However, statistically, Joachim Low’s side did not perform as they should have been as they barely had decent chances while France was rather unlucky to extend their lead as Adrien Rabiot’s strike hit the post while Kylian Mbappe’s goal was at the second half was disallowed.
Seleccao de Quinas, on the other hand, trashed Hungary 3-0 earlier this week. They had to wait till the last ten minutes to break the deadlock from Raphael Guerrero and Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace.
Possible tactic
Joachim Low is likely to change the formation to Bayern-like one, 4-2-3-1 with Thomas Muller playing his regular position in Bavarian side. He will be accompanied by Kevin Volland and Timo Werner who are operating wide to support Serge Gnabry. In the midfield, Ilkay Gundogan and Joshua Kimmich will be the ones who keep the balance on defence and offence. Unfortunately, Leon Goretzka and Mathias Ginter are set to miss the fixture.
Meanwhile, Fernando Santos would not change his winning team in 4-3-3. Cristiano Ronaldo is still the main frontman with Diogo Jota and Joao Felix instead of Bernardo Silva who was not in form in the last outing. In the midfield, Bruno Fernandes is still the anchorman.
Players to watch
Germany still counts on Bayern connection here, with Serge Gnabry, Thomas Muller, Joshua Kimmich and Manuel Neuer. Yet, the ones who are expected to shine are actually the Chelsea men, Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Antonio Rudiger who managed to help their club win the second UCL title last month.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains the key man in Portugal despite being 36 years old. He has just broken the record as the all time top scorer in Euro with 11 goals, which he will be adding during the tournament. Some other notable names to watch are Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Jota and Bruno Dias.
Germany vs Portugal Prediction
Der Panzer is unlikely to repeat their big win over Portugal in World Cup 2014. They lack of prolific striker upfront while their defence is still unconvincing. It will be a tight affair for sure and Fernando Santos’ men could face the same difficulty although they have much more solid forward. A stalemate seems to be the best result here.
Betting odds
In this mouth watering clash, neither is the favourite. Joachiem Low’s men are backed to win at 11/8. The value for a draw is at 27/11, whereas Portugal’s win market is at 12/5.
