The UEFA Nations League competition has reached its decisive semifinal stage, featuring a compelling matchup as Portugal and Germany prepare to face off. The game will take place at the iconic Allianz Arena, with both teams competing for a coveted spot in the final scheduled for Sunday, June 8th.
Under the guidance of Julian Nagelsmann, the German national team has experienced a significant upturn in form. They currently boast an impressive eight-match unbeaten streak since their elimination from the Euros at the hands of Spain. Germany is actively seeking to build momentum and re-establish themselves among the leading contenders for upcoming World Cups. Defeating Portugal would represent a crucial step forward in achieving this goal.
Although Portugal secured their place in the semifinals with a decisive 5-2 win over Denmark, their defense has shown vulnerabilities. They have conceded goals in four of their last five matches, suggesting that Germany will likely have opportunities to find the back of the net.
Match Information
- Please note: Kickoff has been delayed by 10 minutes due to hail at the Allianz Arena.
- Date: Wednesday, June 4th
- Time: 3:00 PM ET
- Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
- Broadcast: TV: FS1 | Live stream: Fubo (subscription required, free trial available)
- Betting Odds: Germany -110; Draw +270; Portugal +280
Last Meeting
The most recent clash between Germany and Portugal occurred during the Euros in 2021, resulting in an exciting match where Germany ultimately secured a 4-2 victory. Germany took a 2-1 lead into halftime and extended their advantage in the second half with goals from Kai Havertz and Robin Gosens. This encounter demonstrated potential frailties in Portugal`s defensive structure, which Germany exploited effectively.
Betting Tip
Florian Wirtz to record 2 or more shots on target (+290 odds): While rumors of a potential move to clubs like Liverpool might be circulating, Florian Wirtz`s immediate focus is firmly on contributing to Germany`s progress towards the Nations League final. Having become a central figure in the German setup, Wirtz is expected to have numerous chances to shoot against Portugal`s defense. Considering his capability to strike accurately from various positions and the current lack of a consistently in-form primary striker for Germany, this wager holds promise.
Projected Lineups
Germany: Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Robin Gosens, Robin Koch, Jonathan Tah, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Pascal Gross, Serge Gnabry, Florian Wirtz, Leroy Sane, Niclas Fullkrug
Portugal: Diogo Costa, Nuno Mendes, Goncalo Inacio, Ruben Dias, Diogo Dalot, Vitinha, Joao Neves, Rafael Leao, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo
Key Player Spotlight
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal: The debate continues regarding Cristiano Ronaldo`s guaranteed starting position for Portugal. With significant attacking talent available, including Diogo Jota, Gonçalo Ramos, and Pedro Neto, coach Roberto Martinez has the option to field a more fluid and dynamic forward line. However, if Ronaldo remains a fixture in the starting XI, Portugal may be constrained to their current tactical approach. Despite the stylistic considerations, Ronaldo has continued to score, netting four goals in his last five appearances for the national team. Nevertheless, the two most recent matches where he failed to score resulted in a draw and a loss for Portugal. Therefore, successfully limiting Ronaldo`s impact appears to be a key factor for Germany to achieve victory.
Match Prediction
Germany`s squad depth and Julian Nagelsmann`s tactical flexibility are likely to be determining factors in this match. Even if Portugal manages to take an early lead, Germany possesses the quality and resilience to respond and secure the win. With Florian Wirtz performing well and a variety of attacking threats at their disposal, Germany is favored to earn their place in the Nations League final.
Predicted Score: Germany 3, Portugal 2
