Vintage Germany! Portugal thumped in Munich
- Seb Sternik
- 19 June 2021
Germany produced one of their best performances in years as they beat Portugal 4-2 to go second in Group F.
Following three years of struggles, Germany seem to have rediscovered their best form.
Joachim Low's men were under pressure following their loss to France last Tuesday. However, Die Mannschaft put in a vintage performance to state their claim for a Last 16 spot.
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In spite of the final result, it was Portugal who opened the scoring. Cristiano Ronaldo made the breakthrough in the 15th minute following a rapid counter-attack.
Germany equalised 20 minutes later when Ruben Dias put the ball into his own net. Credit does have to go to Robin Gosens who forced the error from the Man City centre-back.
Moments before the half-time whistle, Germany found a second. Kimmich's effort was touched into the net by Raphael Guerreiro as the hosts grew in confidence.
Robin Gosens on the ball for Germany
Low's men picked up where they left off in the second-half.
Kai Havertz bagged a third for Germany in the 51st minute before Gosens headed in a fourth at the Allianz Arena.
Portugal did threaten a comeback when Diogo Jota scored Portugal's second but the hosts were able to shut them out for the remainder of the game.
You can read the full match report on our sister site, Football365.
Stat of the day
From OptaJoe: "Portugal are the first reigning champions in European Championship history to concede four goals in a single match in the competition."
What's next
After cracking out the whip against Portugal, Germany will now be looking to make it two wins from two when they face Hungary on Wednesday.
Joachim Low's side will certainly have to be on their toes as a slip up against the Hungarians could still see them eliminated form the tournament.
Nevertheless, that is shaping up to be an entertaining contest in Munich.
Portugal, on the other hand, will take on world champions France in their final group game.
Three points may not be enough to secure a place in the Last 16 stage. With that in mind, Fernando Santos' side will be desperate to at least hold the French to a draw.
