Germany 4-2 Portugal

Germany brought Portugal crashing back down to earth with a typically organized and tidy victory over the Seleção in Munich tonight. Portugal had started exactly as they would have hoped, denying the Germans while scoring a superb counterattacking goal on the quarter hour mark.

But aside from a second half Jota goal from close range, it was all Germany and Portugal are left needing a huge resurgence in their final group stage match against France. 

Though there were some feelings amongst supporters that Renato Sanches should enter the starting XI after his stirring second half cameo against Hungary, Fernando Santos thought otherwise and fielded the same XI as four days prior. Germany, too, fielded the exact squad which fell to an own goal against France in their opening match. 

Germany started quite well and the worst was feared in only the 5th minute when a cross from the right found its way all the way through for Robin Gosens to finish with an acrobatic effort. Replays showed Serge Gnabry was marginally offside in the build-up, sparing Portugal the early deficit.

Gnabry was proving a handful early on however, bursting past several defenders on the right, but his cross was easily claimed by Rui Patrício. Kai Havertz was next to go close with Patrício called into action to parry away his effort from just outside the penalty area. 


Germany 4-2 Portugal match reaction


Portugal's forays into the German attacking third were rare and brief with the hosts fully in control. But the visitors braved the early storm, and were first to strike in the 15th minute through their all-time greatest player, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Following a corner, Portugal broke down the right, and a brilliant cross over the defense to Diogo Jota from Bernardo was wonderfully taken by the Liverpool man who found himself in acres of space. His drop off beyond Neuer's challenge was perfect for Ronaldo, who calmly tapped in as offside checks confirmed it was a devastating goal for Germany to concede after so much early pressure.  

Germany went right back on the attack, but it was again Portugal who threatened following a free kick which was headed narrowly wide by Dias. Gnabry turned Guerreiro a bit too easily just moments later, but no runner took the risk to get on the end of his pass across the face of goal.

Guerreiro sent in a decent free kick delivery which was headed over by Jota on 28' after a clumsy foul by Havertz. But Portugal were obligated to go back on the defensive as Germany continued to control the passage of play and stymy Portugal's midfield.

It paid off in the 35th minute when Dias deflected a Gosens cross intended for Havertz into the back of his own net. It had been coming as relentless pressure from Germany had given Portugal very little time to grow into the match.

Minutes later, Germany went ahead through yet another own goal, this time Guerreiro unluckily deflecting a cross from Kimmich on the right past Patricio. There was nearly more after Havertz got on the end of a bad pass with Dias scrambling back to clear the ball for a corner. 

Portugal tried to get back into the game, but Jota was marginally offside while trying to get on the end of Ronaldo's throughball. Pepe lead a counter down the right wing minutes later as the match opened up near the end of the first half. 

That nearly proved fatal in stoppage time as Pepe was turned inside-out by Gnabry with Patrício called upon again to beat away his shot from the left side of the penalty area. The visitors went into the break very fortunate and in need of second half changes. 

Portugal came out into the second half trying to possess more of the ball, but Germany added to their lead in the 51st minute when good passing combinations freed up Gosens down the left as Semedo had drifted too far inside. Havertz was left with the simplest of finishes for Germany's third. 

Rafa was sent on before the hour mark for William as Portugal's possession had failed to yield more chances. It made no difference to Germany, and they had their fourth minutes later as Gosens rose highest to head home Kimmich's cross. Löw responded by sending in defensive reinforcements to hold the result in place.

Regardless the disaster unfolding, Jota did pull a goal back for the visitors in the 67th minute after a free kick was sent back across goal by Ronaldo who had escaped his marker at the back post. 

Portugal's sense of urgency was heightened further by the goal, but their possession was stale against the ranks of German defenders. Then Renato Sanches struck the left upright with a ferocious effort with just over ten minutes to play. The Lille man had found himself on the edge of the area and surprised everyone in attendance by going for goal himself instead of delivering a cross in to Ronaldo and Jota. 


Germany 4-2 Portugal player ratings


Substitute Leon Goretzka had a chance on the counter, but he selfishly went for goal and blazed over. Fernando Santos responded by exchanging Jota for André Silva. Portugal labored onward, but could not break down the determined hosts despite a stoppage time chance for André Silva after a good run from Ronaldo. 

Following the 3-0 win over Hungary, it was a naive and humiliating result for a Portugal team who were far too conservative in the first half. The Germans were clinical when their chances came and will feel much better about their own chances to progress from the group.

Santos will have to organize his players much better as it was clear they lacked cohesion any time they advanced the ball through midfield. The shape of the squad was simply not good enough against a German side which particularly enjoyed time and space down both wings with Kimmich and Robin Gosens both excellent. Ronaldo was decent with a goal and an assist despite limited touches, and Jota finally proved a worthy strike partner with his goal. Renato Sanches was again excellent as a second half substitute, but it must be said Portugal were largely out of answers aside from the brilliant counterattacking goal in the first half. Germany outclassed Portugal in both possession and shots on goal, and kept their mental errors to a minimum. 

Portugal head back to Budapest on Wednesday needing a win or draw against France in order to progress from the group stage of Euro 2020.

by Nathan Motz

 

Portugal XI: Rui Patrício - Nelson Semedo, Pepe, Rúben Dias, Raphaël Guerreiro - Danilo Pereira, William Carvalho (Rafa, 58') - Bernardo Silva (Renato Sanches, 46’), Bruno Fernandes (Moutinho, 64'), Diogo Jota (André Silva, 83') - Cristiano Ronaldo

Germany XI: Neuer - Rüdiger, Hummels, Ginter - Gosens, Kroos, Gündogan, Kimmich - Havertz, Mueller, Gnabry

Goals

[0-1] Cristiano Ronaldo, 15'

[1-1] Dias OG, 35'

[2-1] Guerreiro OG, 39'

[3-1] Havertz, 51'

[4-1] Gosens, 60'

[4-2] Diogo Jota, 67'

Comments (66)

This comment was minimized by the moderator on the site

Nelson Semedo should never play for the team ever again.

Germany scored the same goal 4 times.

That is not acceptable at top level football.

Second, not playing Renato for 90 mins also costed the game result.

There is still time to recover....

Nelson Semedo should never play for the team ever again.

Germany scored the same goal 4 times.

That is not acceptable at top level football.

Second, not playing Renato for 90 mins also costed the game result.

There is still time to recover. The goal draw is still positive.

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Will
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Santos ist the one to blame but in all fairness the players also all underperformed

Tiago
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What a joke! Santos was tactically outwit and and did not make the tweaks necessary to stop gosens particularly from being wide open on 3 goals plus an offside goal...pathetic! After the offisde goal and few clear dangers....why didnt he tell...

What a joke! Santos was tactically outwit and and did not make the tweaks necessary to stop gosens particularly from being wide open on 3 goals plus an offside goal...pathetic! After the offisde goal and few clear dangers....why didnt he tell semedo to push out wide and ask danilo to drop in to cover hole...actually given how Germany played with 343 against france you think they would have worked on that....why go 4231 and not 433 or 442 in defensive shape....so clear what germany did against france and their tactics. Thats why I blame Santos for this loss and to add..if the team you put out against hungary didnt work until 84 minutes after you made changes why would it work against a far better germany..another mistake with renato not startin along side danilo. Germany are not better individually but tactically and collectively they were which comes down to the coaching...our players can play possession football as most do with their club teams so no excuses. Rafa did well against hungary despite my objections but we have far better and more in form players on the bench. Guedes is better than rafa....andre silva adds a different dimension...pedro goncalves is player of year in portugal and has 23 goals...thats 13 more than rafa....but nope!

Win against france will be tough....draw will be tough...lose and we are out!

Fpf need serious think between now and qatar! Keepin in mind we have more technical cute players coming through u21s then not.

I saw dinosaur tactics both games....

So disappointed.

Forca! Hopes are alive.

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Joe
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Completely agree on your analysis. Hope FS does as well ;-)

Rolf Gerber
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Your analysis is identical to what I spotted. What’s the point of TWO defensive midfielders if neither is plugging gaps. Playing that position isn’t just about standing in front of the centre backs, it’s about reading danger and neither Carvalho...

Your analysis is identical to what I spotted. What’s the point of TWO defensive midfielders if neither is plugging gaps. Playing that position isn’t just about standing in front of the centre backs, it’s about reading danger and neither Carvalho or Danilo seemed to be able to sense any.

Semedo was badly exposed but was it more down to his team mates not helping him?
The full backs were scared to get out to the German wing backs because Germany pushed up three forwards. In that situation it is the responsibility of one of the DMs to take one of the interior forwards to free up the full backs to then sit on the wing backs.
If you watch back the replays, neither Danilo or Carvalho are in defensive positions for the goals.

This is on Santos. Two identical goals in the first half should have been dealt with at half time when instead Germany scored another two identical goals with the same issues.

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Aydogan Mehmet
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Merde

Jerrold Hewson
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Santos was completely outcoached by Löw from start to finish. We did manage to knick a goal against the run of play but there were already warning signs of our defense looking extremely susceptible to switched passes over the top for Gösens.

Gue...

Santos was completely outcoached by Löw from start to finish. We did manage to knick a goal against the run of play but there were already warning signs of our defense looking extremely susceptible to switched passes over the top for Gösens.

Guerreiro and Dias were unlucky to score own goals but in both instances , the Germans were able to deliver dangerous crosses from in behind our defense. Santos didn't learn his lesson in the first half and Gösens was left alone to kill our defense again and again.

Semedo had a terrible match though wasn't helped by the fact that he had virtually zero support whatsoever against Gösens runs from deep.


Going forward we didn't pose much of a threat. Bruno Fernandes yet again dropped an absolute disaster class.

His inability to perform against quality opposition is becoming painfully obvious. To think people out there were comparing him to de Bruyne - he is nowhere near the Belgian in terms of class and quality.

He was absolutely useless today and he really shouldn't see the field against France unless we are chasing the game late in the second half.

Bernado needs to start in midfield and Renato needs to start as well.

If we lose to France -a very possible and perhaps probably outcome - we have no business playing in the knockout round.

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jon/usa
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I’m not a huge Fernandes fan but he’s expected to link up with two plodders who pass sideways and backwards

Aydogan Mehmet
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Need to laugh to get through this. Santos coaching this team is laughable!!!

Again, Renato came on and did more than #11, 13, 14 etc. 13 and 14 together are a JOKE. You coach afraid, defensive and you deserve to lose...especially with the...

Need to laugh to get through this. Santos coaching this team is laughable!!!

Again, Renato came on and did more than #11, 13, 14 etc. 13 and 14 together are a JOKE. You coach afraid, defensive and you deserve to lose...especially with the players he has at his disposal.

Bruno invisible again.

And People say this team is better off without cr7? Haha really? For who...Bruno, Bernardo, ASilva...? Out of your minds!

Anyway as my dad loves to say Bem Feito. You came in afraid and giving Germany all that ball, room and space....Bem Feito!

Maybe he will have Danilo and William start again v France. What a total idiot!

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Mark
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This is the reality folks. Santos is either a genius or a moron. Hard to figure out which. He has a great win loss record for us, and trophies but his time may be up.

Forget selections and tactics, there is no intensity. No intensity if we are...

This is the reality folks. Santos is either a genius or a moron. Hard to figure out which. He has a great win loss record for us, and trophies but his time may be up.

Forget selections and tactics, there is no intensity. No intensity if we are level, none of we are winning and worst of all, no intensity when we are losing.

That's the main issue. Aside from that, all Germany had to do was attack and create pressure and we saw that the team of 5 years ago was better at holding the fort.

If we can't get out of this group stage, regardless if it is group of death or not, real questions need to be asked and it is time to look for a younger, more proactive manager who can implement a proper playing identity rather than praying to Fatima.

If Santos turns it around, of course we'll all be back on the bandwagon, but this loss stings and Portugal fans will rightly be aggrieved.

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Chris
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I understand your points not sure if a new manager with more proactive approach will matter if you continue to have a aging center back with no replacement path, fullbacks who can't defend to pick from, holding midfielders that lack quality to...

I understand your points not sure if a new manager with more proactive approach will matter if you continue to have a aging center back with no replacement path, fullbacks who can't defend to pick from, holding midfielders that lack quality to hold a top team, and attacking players like Bruno and B Silva whose games don't translate to the national team. Maybe this is more of not having enough quality picks to create a collective team that can compete with balance. I know this is harsh I think we are a little short in some key positions that will be hard to fix unless you find the right attributes.

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Tony
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I have to disagree. We have quality in all positions. Santos only picked 3 CB's and Ruben Dias is arguably the best CB in the world right now and Pepe had a monster season.

Danilo is a UCL semi-finalist at PSG. William has dropped off...

I have to disagree. We have quality in all positions. Santos only picked 3 CB's and Ruben Dias is arguably the best CB in the world right now and Pepe had a monster season.

Danilo is a UCL semi-finalist at PSG. William has dropped off significantly but Palhinha is a quality DM and perhaps he and Pote should have gotten starts today to offer up something the Germans had never seen before.

Semedo is streaky but regardless of that, he was left exposed by bad tactics. Santos is to blame for the result today, just as he is to be credited for all the success he has brought. That's how it works.

If you as manager see that your formation is failing, you must make alterations and he did nothing to stop the bleeding.

It is difficult, because I like Santos, he is a good man and clearly has brought us success. It just seems that he lost his way in this game, and there is every chance that could happen again against the French.

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Chris
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Chris, quality everywhere? I don't think it is as deep as you think. There is quality but a lot of it is not performing. Examples: players we depend underperforming at big clubs: Felix, B Silva, and Bruno F in big games. More examples Semedo...

Chris, quality everywhere? I don't think it is as deep as you think. There is quality but a lot of it is not performing. Examples: players we depend underperforming at big clubs: Felix, B Silva, and Bruno F in big games. More examples Semedo marginal at Wolves, Guedes mostly had a bad season until a late run, a LB who is a MDer , lack of CB depth and succession plan. Not sure what you've been watching. Certainly if a club manager can't get these guys to perform then you can't expect to completely fall on the national coach.

Pote and Palhinha certainly may have a future but one good season at Sporting and little data showing us they will perform at national level makes them worthy to start against Germany.

Santos has given many players call up opportunities, not his fault players have not clearly demonstrated they can performa If you have some much quality as you call it and can't settle on a team maybe the quality performing is the issue.

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Tony
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I've been watching the same thing you have, including a flip-flopping argument on your part. So according to your 2nd line, there is quality after all, look at that.

Quality and form are 2 very different things. We have quality. Joao Felix,...

I've been watching the same thing you have, including a flip-flopping argument on your part. So according to your 2nd line, there is quality after all, look at that.

Quality and form are 2 very different things. We have quality. Joao Felix, Bruno F and Bernardo are all top quality players. Bruno F was voted one of the players of the season in the EPL. Joao Felix won La Liga. Bernardo won the EPL and made the UCL final.

If that isn't quality enough for you, I don't know what is. But then it might be quality once you change your mind again, lol.

Semedo is a decent RB, he's taking a lot of flack for Santos and his tactics.

Quality with bad tactics and playing out of formation do not necessarily mean that quality will shine through and create success. We can hold the players accountable to an extent for a bad game, but we cannot blame Bernardo for all bad results if he is always played out of position. We also have to question the manager who thought that having 3 defensive midfielders would be a good idea and leave out other dynamic midfielders.

So I say again, this team has quality in every position, but we lack a manager who plays them in proper position and also proved against the Germans, that he was incapable of adapting.

I hope Santos can get back on track. In Euro 2016, he proved very flexible and adaptive and changed players based on the opponent. i don't know why he abandoned that approach, but I hope he goes back to it.

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Chris
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Well typically Portugal are amatuer when playing Germany. Fernandes and Bernardo are garbage for Portugal sadly changes have to be made before France!!

Nicholay Carvalho
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All this talk about having the best in a long time is a joke and poor Cr7 this guy just wants to win I mean what the hell happened?? Infuriating ?

Nicholay Carvalho
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This maybe the best individual talent CR7 has played with since 2006 but the team is slow and the individual talents don't make the collective better. There are too many holes at fullback and defense midfield not there to offer the protection...

This maybe the best individual talent CR7 has played with since 2006 but the team is slow and the individual talents don't make the collective better. There are too many holes at fullback and defense midfield not there to offer the protection needed then add the disjointed attack.

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Tony
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Oh hey Tony, what's that? So we DO have quality? Ok, got it.

Chris
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If Carvalho , Danilo and Semedo all start the next game, I ain't watching this team play football any more.

It's takes sunlight 8mins and 20 secs to reach earth. Carvalho takes more time than that to get the ball under control. Dude has a...

If Carvalho , Danilo and Semedo all start the next game, I ain't watching this team play football any more.

It's takes sunlight 8mins and 20 secs to reach earth. Carvalho takes more time than that to get the ball under control. Dude has a horrible first touch.

Semedo might be the most overrated Portuguese player of the last decade.

Ruben Dias was applauded to get the best out of John Stones. I think it was the other way around.

Bruno Fernandes is a stat padder. The guy can't be seen anywhere in big games. Loses the ball too much.

The only way we are moving forward in the tournament is if France shakes our hand to play out a draw. It might get Ugly if France finally decides to show up in the tournament against us. I can't even imagine Mbappe running towards Semedo. Nightmare.

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