Trend reversal or trembling mode: Germany has to deliver against Portugal

Now it has to be delivered. The German national soccer team has put itself under pressure due to its 0-1 opening defeat at the European Championships against France. National coach Joachim Löw wants to turn things around immediately against Portugal this Saturday (18.00 p.m.). Otherwise you have to worry about the round of XNUMX. Interesting: Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has never scored against Germany. THE INITIAL SITUATION: Joachim Löw would have liked to have done without this déjà vu. As at the 2018 World Cup, the national team quickly finds itself under pressure after an opening defeat. In contrast to the Russia debacle, another defeat against the Portuguese would not mean the end of the tournament, at least on Saturday evening. Then it would have to be properly calculated until the group finals whether it can still be enough to get a ticket to the round of 4 as one of the four best third-place teams in the group. But it is also easier. With a victory, Germany would have everything in its own hands again. Even winning the group would still be possible. STAFF AND TACTICS: The tactics are changed. Löw announced this. More drive forward and stay more consistent in the opponent's half. This is what the national coach demands from his offensive forces. Löw did not comment specifically on the staff. Joshua Kimmich more 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 the team in such a way that it is as successful as possible,” was Kimmich’s somewhat tight-lipped statement. At the 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,” said Löw, avoiding an answer. But one thing is clear: after his injury break, Leon Goretzka should provide steam as an energy pack at least in the second half. “Portugal is not a one-man show” Joachim Löw THE OPPONENT: This time everything is different for the Portuguese than in previous years. For the first time since the 2008 European Championships, Ronaldo and Co. managed to win their opening game by beating Hungary 3-0. The defending champion comes to Munich with self-confidence. The home advantage of the DFB team is not seen as a problem either. In the fully occupied Puskas Arena, the Hungarians also held their ground. There, Cristiano Ronaldo made the difference again as the European Championship record man - but Portugal is more than just its superstar. “Portugal is not a one-man show,” said Löw. Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva (all Manchester City), as well as Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) and Diogo Jota from Liverpool FC have Premier League experience. There is sometimes no starting place available even for Eintracht Frankfurt's top scorer André Silva. “Portugal have brutal quality, as a team and individually,” said Kai Havertz. THE HISTORY: Joachim Löw doesn't want to let his impeccable Portugal record be spoiled shortly before his DFB retirement - even if yesterday's results no longer count, as he made clear. Things have not gone so well against any top team under him as DFB head coach since 2018. Three tournament games, three wins and Cristiano Ronaldo was always goalless and underwhelmed. In 2008, with Löw banished to the stands, there was a 3-2 win in the European Championship quarter-finals, in 2012, Mario Gomez scored the only goal in the opening game of the European Championship and in 2014, the 4-0 win in Salvador provided the perfect starting signal towards a World Cup triumph. THE SAFETY: After Greenpeace's failed protest Before the France game with injuries when a paramotor plane made an emergency landing in the Munich stadium, the police increased security precautions. Instead of 1000, 1500 officers will be on duty this time, the police headquarters in the Bavarian capital announced. The security forces operate both on the ground and in the air with the police helicopter squadron and special forces. Compared to the Tuesday evening game against France, significantly more fans are expected in the city.

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Trend reversal or trembling mode: Germany has to deliver against Portugal

As at the 2018 World Cup, the German national team is going into the second tournament game at the European Championships with the risk of an opening defeat.

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