Both teams had mixed results in matchday one but it will be Portugal who go into the game with the most confidence after their 3-0 win over Hungary.
Germany can take confidence from their performance in their 1-0 loss to France though and if they have their scoring boots on in this game it could be a free scoring match.
- Head to head:
In their last five meetings, Germany have W4, L1 scoring 11 goals and conceding six.
- Odds:
Portugal are 3/30 to win the game and Germany are 2/30 to win the game.
- Previous defensive record:
Portugal scored three in their first game without reply, whereas Germany got on the scoresheet with its own goal, the only one of the game, although it could have been more for France but for correct VAR decisions for offside.
- Players to watch:
Cristiano Ronaldo stole the headlines once again when he scored an opening day brace to become the European Championship’s all-time top scorer with 11 goals. Germany’s Thomas Müller is still waiting for his first Euro goal but scored a hat-trick against Portugal at the 2014 World Cup.
- Team News:
Nuno Mendes (Portugal) is a doubt with a thigh injury whereas Jonas Hoffman and Leon Goretzka (Germany) both remain a doubt. Although Goretzka has been training and responding well so should be in contention after missing out against France.
- Predicted Line-ups:
Portugal possible line-up: Rui Patrício; Nélson Semedo, Rúben Dias, Pepe, Guerreiro; Danilo, William Carvalho; Diogo Jota, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva; Ronaldo
Germany possible line-up: Neuer; Can, Hummels, Rüdiger; Kimmich, Gündoğan, Kroos, Goretzka; Sane, Müller; Gnabry
Managers view:
Fernando Santos, Portugal: “We started with a win, but it’s only three points. We have two very important games to follow. This is the Euro and we have to be consistent.”
Joachim Low, Germany: “The ambition and the determination of the team remain exemplary. That’s why we know we can turn things around. If we can be more vigorous up front, we will be able to beat Portugal.”
Last six form guide:
Portugal: WWDWDW
Germany: LWDLWW
Die Mannschaft will need to be fully concentrated for 90 minutes in this tie as six of Portugal’s last eight goals has come in the 80th minute or later. And after suffering an opening day group stage defeat for the first time in this competition, Germany will need a win to give them the best possible chance of finishing in either first or second place.
Although, the reigning champions have now extended their unbeaten run in this competition to 12 fixtures W5, D7 and are yet to trail at the break in 13 games (HT: W2, D11.)
If Germany beat Portugal here and France also does the same in the final matchday against them then Germany should be guaranteed second place and progression to the next stage.
Anything other than a win will not be acceptable for the Germans and Portugal will be looking to tie up that second place going into the final group stage game so it will be an interesting tie no doubt, although both teams have talent, Germany has a mix of young and experienced talent who on their day can sweep anyone aside, all they need to do is find the back of the net.
There has also been talk in the Portuguese camp that this side is in even better shape than what they were during their 2016 triumph and if that is true then they could really be the outside winners at the end of this tournament and blow both Germany, France and any other possible favourite out of the water.
