PORTUGAL take on Germany in group F in what promises to be one of the games of the tournament.
Both sides were relatively flat in their openers, although Portugal did have a thumping final ten minutes to beat Hungary 3-0.
Germany showed glimpses of what they were made of as they hosted France, but they didn’t offer too much in the final third and lost 1-0.
This one though has all the ingredients to be a stand-out encounter in the Group of Death and you can catch the kick off at 5pm on ITV from the Allianz Arena in Munich.
What’s the form?
European champions Portugal are now unbeaten in their last seven international fixtures.
Their last defeat came at the hands of the French back in November of last year.
As for Germany, Die Mannschaft’s showing at the 2018 World Cup was a huge disappointment, with them sent packing after finishing rock bottom of their group.
Question marks were raised over Joachim Low’s competence as Germany boss in the run up to the Euros – which included a loss to North Macedonia just before the tournament.
However they did show some signs of threat against France, despite losing 1-0.
The most important thing was the win. It was a difficult match against an opponent that defended well, but we managed to score three goals. I am very grateful to the squad that helped me score two goals, and win Player of the Game.”
“It was fundamental to start on the right foot, to gain confidence. Now, we need to continue this. The next match [vs Germany] is to win
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
Who’s in and who’s out?
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to lead the line after scoring a brace against Hungary.
Premier League trio Diogo Jota, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva all started in their tournament opener and are also expected to tart.
There are no injury or suspension concerns for either side.
For Germany, Champions League-winning trio Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and Antonio Rudiger all featured against France.
We have yet to see German wonderkid Jamal Musiala, who was called up but failed to feature in Löw’s squad against France.
Who to watch out for
Antonio Ruediger’s and his weird looking face mask.
The German and Chelsea defender confirmed he will continue to wear a mask throughout Euro 2020 after sustaining a facial injury during the latter stages of last season.
Rudiger started Germany’s opening Euro 2020 match alongside Mats Hummels and Mattias Ginter in a back-three.
And who knows, maybe it will be the lucky charm Germany need to clinch a result.
Tomorrow we have to work on a few things. Then we look ahead. Now we’ve lost, but anything is still possible, we still have two games and we can straighten everything out.”
Joachim Low, Germany
If the game’s rubbish…
Then look no further than Cristiano Ronaldo’s wag, Georgina Rodriguez.
The pair have been together for almost five years after meeting in a Gucci store, where she worked as a shop assistant.
Fancy a punt?
Get all your Euro 2020 ante-post tips with our tournament betting guide HERE.
Match odds
- Portugal to win 21/10
- The draw 23/10
- Germany to win 13/10
To win Euro 2020 outright
- Portugal 13/2
- Germany 11/1
*All odds from Paddy Power and correct at time of publication.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
