Germany vs Portugal: Nations League Semi-Final Preview
The Nations League semi-final between Germany and Portugal takes place on Wednesday, June 4th, at 8pm, live on Amazon Prime. According to Racing Post Sport, Portugal are the team to back to qualify for the final.
Portugal were the first nation to be crowned Nations League winners in 2019 and they can defy the odds to reach the final for a second time. Their semi-final opponents are Germany, who have reached this stage with an unbeaten record, claiming five wins and three draws, and will be playing in front of a passionate home crowd at Munich’s Allianz Arena.
However, preparations for the contest have been far from ideal for head coach Julian Nagelsmann, who has been forced to make a host of changes. Racing Post Sport reports that Jamal Musiala, Antonio Rudiger, Angelo Stiller, Nico Schlotterbeck, and Tim Kleindienst are injured and miss out, while Kai Havertz is short of match fitness.
The Champions League final was a more positive experience for Portugal’s Paris St-Germain contingent of Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, Vitinha, and Goncalo Ramos, who all took part in Saturday’s 5-0 triumph for the French champions. Neves and Vitinha played crucial roles in the heart of PSG’s midfield and will be hoping their partnership will bear fruit at the same venue just four days later.
A more balanced midfield battle can be expected against Germany, who quickly gained a reputation as a possession-based, high-energy outfit after Nagelsmann took the job in September 2023. Nagelsmann’s side impressed at Euro 2024 and their quarter-final against Spain, which they lost 2-1 after extra-time, would have been worthy of the final itself.
But key players Manuel Neuer, Toni Kroos, Ilkay Gundogan, and Thomas Muller all retired from international football after that tournament. And the loss of so many high-quality, experienced players created a void which has become even tougher to fill given the number of injuries Nagelsmann is contending with.
Portugal have retained experienced talisman Cristiano Ronaldo and their squad looks in a much healthier state. Ronaldo celebrated his 40th birthday in February but has enjoyed a strong Nations League campaign, scoring six goals, and provides leadership as well as a reliable focal point.
The Iberians benefitted from being in a soft section – alongside Croatia, Scotland, and Poland – but make hard work of their extra-time 5-3 aggregate success over Denmark in the quarter-finals. However, they have a deep squad, capable of matching the top teams on the continent, and can pass a big test in Bavaria.
Racing Post Sport recommend backing Portugal to qualify, with odds of 17-10. They also suggest that Bruno Fernandes could be a good bet to score anytime, given his impressive form on the international stage.
In terms of team news, Germany have a number of injury concerns, while Portugal are relatively free of worries. The likely line-ups are:
Germany (4-2-3-1): Ter Stegen; Kimmich, Tah, Anton, Mittelstadt; Gross, Goretzka; Gnabry, Wirtz, Sane; Undav.
Portugal (4-3-1-2): Costa; Dalot, Dias, A Silva, Mendes; J Neves, Vitinha, B Silva; Fernandes; Jota, Ronaldo.
For those looking to build a bet, Racing Post Sport suggest considering the following:
* Portugal or draw double chance
* Bruno Fernandes anytime goalscorer
* Diogo Dalot to be carded
These options pay out at competitive odds and could provide a good return on investment.
In conclusion, the Nations League semi-final between Germany and Portugal promises to be an exciting encounter. With Portugal’s strong squad and Germany’s injury concerns, Racing Post Sport believe that Portugal are the team to back to qualify for the final.
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