Munich (dpa) – Now it has to be delivered. The German national soccer team has put itself under pressure due to the 0-1 defeat at the European championship against France.
Against Portugal, national coach Joachim Löw wants to turn the trend immediately this Saturday (6 p.m. / ARD and MagentaTV). Otherwise the round of 16 has to be tremble. Interesting: Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has never scored against Germany.
The initial situation: Joachim Löw would have gladly done without this déjà vu. As in the 2018 World Cup, the national team is quickly under pressure after an opening defeat. In contrast to the Russia debacle, however, another defeat against the Portuguese, at least on Saturday evening, would not mean the tournament is over. Then it would have to be calculated properly until the group finals, whether it can still be enough for a round of 16 ticket as one of the four best thirds in the group. But there is also an easier way. With a victory, Germany would have everything in its own hands again. Even winning the group would still be possible.
Personnel and tactics: The tactics are changed. This was announced by Löw. More urge to move forward and stay more consistent in the opposing half. This is what the national coach demands of his offensive forces. Löw did not comment specifically on the staff. Joshua Kimmich on the right instead of in the middle? That’s likely, even if the Bayern professional doesn’t really like it. “The coach sets up so that the team is as successful as possible,” was Kimmich’s rather tight-lipped statement.
In front Leroy Sané or Timo Werner instead of Kai Havertz? “You can make tactical changes with the same formation, but you can also make changes,” Löw avoided answering. But one thing is clear: After his injury break, Leon Goretzka should provide steam as an energy package at least during the second half.
The opponent: With the Portuguese, everything is different this time than in previous years. For the first time since the European Championship in 2008, Ronaldo and Co. managed to win an opening game again by beating Hungary 3-0. So the defending champion comes to Munich with self-confidence. The home advantage of the DFB-Elf is not seen as a problem. In the fully occupied Puskas Arena, the Magyars were also kept up. There, Cristiano Ronaldo again made the difference as the European Championship record man – but Portugal is more than its superstar. “Portugal is not a one-man show,” said Loew.
Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva (all Manchester City), plus Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) and Diogo Jota from Liverpool FC have Premier League experience. Even Eintracht Frankfurt’s striker André Silva does not have a free starting place. “Portugal has brutal quality, as a team and individually,” said Kai Havertz.
The History: Joachim Löw does not want to spoil his flawless Portugal record shortly before his retirement from the DFB – even if yesterday’s results no longer count, as he made clear. There has been no other top team under him as head coach of the DFB since 2018. Three tournament games, three wins and Cristiano Ronaldo was always goalless and stunned. In 2008, Löw, who was banished to the stands, scored a 3-2 in the EM quarter-finals, in 2012 Mario Gomez scored the only goal in the EM opening game and in 2014 the 4-0 victory in Salvador provided the perfect starting shot for a World Cup triumph.
The security: After the unsuccessful protest by Greenpeace before the game in France with injured people in the emergency landing of a paramotor plane in the Munich stadium, the police are tightening the security measures. Instead of 1000, this time 1500 officers will be on duty, announced the police headquarters of the Bavarian capital. The security forces operate both on the ground and in the air with the police helicopter squadron and special forces. Compared to the Tuesday night game against France, significantly more fans are expected in the city.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210618-99-54723 / 2
Team behind the team / support staff
Preliminary EM squad and regulations
Interesting facts about the European Championship finals
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