In France’s defense, Thomas Müller (center) and Co. found no gap. That should be different against Portugal.
Photo: dpa/Federico Gambarini
Before the almost 200 kilometers from Herzogenaurach via the A 9 to Munich by bus on Friday afternoon, the final training session for the German national team in the European Championship district had good news and some not so good news. The good thing was that Serge Gnabry also took part in the last session before leaving for the second group game against Portugal that Saturday, after having paused as a precaution the day before. The possibly less good news was now announced by a tape that suggested that Gnabry’s left knee was not quite intact.
The Munich player should be able to play in contrast to Lukas Klostermann (torn muscle fiber) and Jonas Hofmann (also knee problems). Nevertheless, even a slight tweak would be a disruptive factor in the plan to create more goal danger than in the first group game against world champions France last Tuesday. In the 1-0 defeat Gnabry had provided the only significant chance of scoring with a touchdown. The fact that the ball ultimately only fell on the goal net was part of the offensive harmlessness of the German team. France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris did not have to fend off a serious shot or header throughout the game. Portugal’s goalkeeper Rui Patrício shouldn’t experience such a quiet evening.
So far, there is little to suggest that national coach Joachim Löw will make changes to his starting XI, despite all the system and personnel debates. Nevertheless, a lot should change in terms of content against the European champions, especially in the attacking game. Löw tried to demonstrate the necessary determination to his team during the final training session, while the song “Germany, shoot a goal!” Roared from a fan bus nearby. In the meantime, Löw hit the inside of his other hand vigorously with his fist. A bit of situation comedy was already there thanks to the accompanying music. In any case, Löw’s gesture matched Matthias Ginter’s announcement that they would “play for victory”. Striker Kai Havertz also assured that the team has the necessary skills: “I think we have a very, very high quality offensively,” said the man from Chelsea.
Indeed, there is little doubt about the individual class of the German offensive players. Many highly gifted people like Havertz can be found in this department of the team, plus the experienced and thoughtful Thomas Müller. A classic center forward has been missing in this department for years. This deficiency alone could make it more difficult to achieve the desired entry into the round of 16 with a win – especially in a game that is almost like a knockout game. If the DFB-Elf were defeated, admission to the round of 16 would be in acute danger, even though the four best thirds in the group still progress. A win in the third group game against Hungary on Wednesday could already be too little after two defeats, and a success at the end of the game could not be planned anyway. At least one draw should now be achieved against Portugal, so that this European Championship does not end after the group stage for the German team like the last World Cup in 2018. In order to reach the round of 16 safely and on their own, two victories against Portugal and Hungary would be necessary .
Because of this dangerous constellation, it will be a balancing act against the defending champion. Regardless of the system and personnel, the basis for advancement should be laid with more courage and force on the offensive. At the same time, it is clear to everyone that the EM record shooter Cristiano Ronaldo and his offensive colleagues should not be offered too many rooms for counterattacks. “You have to win. That can sometimes be a positive factor, but it can also have a negative effect because the nerves play a role, «said Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes about the German team.
After all, history speaks for the home team: Germany only lost one of six tournament games against Portugal. That was almost exactly 21 years ago to the day, on June 20, 2000. At that time, the DFB team was eliminated from the tournament after a 3-0 loss in the third European Championship group game.
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