Robin Gosens stood out, but Cristiano Ronaldo and Diogo Jota were the only positives for their side as Germany beat Portugal 4-2 in Munich on Saturday.
Germany were on the front foot early in the opening quarter of an hour and seemed to have taken the lead early on through Robin Gosens, only to be denied by VAR. However, it was Portugal who went on to grab the lead against the run of play with their first move in the game, with Cristiano Ronaldo on target at the end of an express counter-attacking move.
Germany, though, went ahead thanks to a stroke of good luck as Ruben Dias and Raphael Guerreiro scored an own goal each in quick succession, which meant the score read 2-1 in Germany’s favour. The hosts then bolstered their advantage with two beautiful goals in the opening 15 minutes of the second half, with Robin Gosens first setting up Kai Havertz before scoring a goal himself with a top-class header.
Portugal pulled a goal back shortly after through Jota, who had Ronaldo to thank for squaring the ball towards him from a Joao Moutinho free-kick. Portugal then pushed forward in search of an equaliser of their own but Germany held firm to grab all three points and throw Group F wide open after France’s 1-1 draw with Hungary. The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over both sets of players.
Portugal
Rui Patricio: 6/10
A difficult outing for Rui Patricio, who was solid in the Portugal goal against Germany. Two saves in quick succession to deny Kai Havertz and Thomas Muller particularly stood out and he went on to make 5 saves in the game. However, his hard work was undone by the own goals scored ahead of half-time by Ruben Dias and Raphael Guerreiro before being left stranded for the remaining goals as well.
Nelson Semedo: 2/10
After a superb showing versus Hungary, Semedo got a run for his money against Germany, with the duel with Robin Gosens being quite engaging. The 27-year-old was clearly the second-best in this battle and ought to have done better to close down the German wing-back in the build-up to the equaliser as well as the third goal. Then failed to cover Gosens again for the fourth in a dreadful showing overall.
Pepe: 5/10
A tough one for Pepe, who just could not manage to keep the Portugual defence disciplined amid Germany’s comeback. On an individual level, he did not put much of a foot wrong and even looked to charge forward when afforded the opportunity to do so.
Ruben Dias: 4/10
Quite a frustrating evening for Dias, who was largely solid at the heart of Portugal’s defence but was left red-faced in the face of Germany’s onslaught as well. Could not stop Havertz for the third goal scored by Germany and was generally unable to keep the backline organised along with Pepe.
Raphael Guerreiro: 4/10
After a classy performance against Hungary, Guerreiro suffered a lot here, struggling to keep a check on the imposing Joshua Kimmich. The nerviness got the better of him as well, as he scored the own goal, which gave Germany the lead. Struggled to push forward due to the presence of Kimmich and the only positive in an otherwise dire performance was his ball-retention abilities.
William Carvalho: 4/10
Once again preferred to Joao Moutinho, Carvalho had the task of keeping a check on Thomas Muller, which he failed to do. Just could not manage to get to grips with the movement of the Germany veteran and lost him quite a few times. Did complete just about every pass he attempted but needed to do so much more in the defensive phases.
Danilo Pereira: 5/10
Not the most impressive of performances by Danilo. While he did not really make any individual errors, the PSG midfielder ought to have done better to keep things tight in the middle of the park. Instead, he let Toni Kroos pull the strings in midfield, which paved the way for a Germany win.
Bernardo Silva: 6/10
? – Fantastic pass from Bernardo Silva. pic.twitter.com/FDFBAhPHzO
— ??? ???? ? (@TheEuropeanLad) June 19, 2021
A much-improved showing by Bernardo Silva, who was much more involved against Germany than he was in Portugal’s opener. His run and subsequent pass to find Diogo Jota in the build-up to the goal scored by Cristiano Ronaldo was particularly delightful and he continued posing a threat from the right flank all game long. However, he also lost the ball cheaply a few too many times before being taken off at half-time.
Bruno Fernandes: 5/10
Unlike the opening game, Bruno Fernandes struggled to get involved regularly against Germany. Managed just 34 touches while attempting 28 passes and managing just one key pass. Was hardly sloppy in possession, but needed to be more involved.
Diogo Jota: 8/10
After the disastrous performance against Hungary, this was Jota being back to his best. Was always an outlet on the left flank and showed tremendous awareness to set Ronaldo up for his goal. Did not see a lot of the ball thereafter, but did manage to find the back of the net midway through the second half, when Ronaldo set him up for his strike.
Cristiano Ronaldo: 8/10
One of only two Portugal players who can hold their head up high after the game against Germany. Ronaldo first had the easiest of goals to score in the first half after being set up by Jota. He then turned provider for Jota’s goal. In between it all, the Portugal captain was left isolated and could not really get into the game. Always looked dangerous when he was on the ball, though.
⚽️ All-time EURO top scorer (12 goals)
?? All-time top scorer for Portugal (107 goals)? @Cristiano ?#EURO2020 https://t.co/ujSrG2I9zd pic.twitter.com/dEF3CIWKSL
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 19, 2021
SUBSTITUTES
Renato Sanches: 6/10
On for Bernardo Silva at half-time, Sanches came within whiskers of scoring, only to smash the upright with his effort. A solid presence in midfield and utilised the ball smartly for the most part. But in the end, he could not turn things around for Portugal.
Rafa Silva: 6/10
A bundle of energy after being introduced, Rafa Silva tried hard to make things happen, but it could not be enough to help Portugal even level things up, let alone make a complete comeback.
Joao Moutinho: 6/10
Moutinho’s presence proved to be quite important as it was his free-kick that went towards Ronaldo before Jota scored. Showed a lot of quality on the ball, but could not do anything else to inspire a comeback.
Andre Silva: N/A
A late introduction in place of Jota, Andre Silva managed just five touches on the ball late on.
Germany
Manuel Neuer: 6/10
Neuer was not to be blamed one bit for either goal that he conceded, as he did close down his man but was sold short by the defence. Had no save to make in the game, but typically completed over 90 percent of his attempted passes.
Matthias Ginter: 6/10
Bypassed beautifully by the pass from Bernardo Silva, Ginter could not keep a check on Diogo Jota in the build-up to the goal scored by Cristiano Ronaldo. Shored things up thereafter and made a few important clearances while also completing 93 percent of his attempted passes. Decent enough.
Mats Hummels: 6/10
A game of hits and misses for Hummels, who should have kept a track of Ronaldo’s movement for the opener, but did manage to marshal the Portugal captain well for much of the rest of his stay on the pitch. Made 3 clearances, 2 tackles and an interception while also winning 3 duels. More importantly, he only lost possession twice, which enabled efficient build-up plays.
Antonio Rudiger: 6/10
Like the rest of his central defensive partners, Rudiger had one or two lapses in concentration but was otherwise quite solid. Did not track Ronaldo in the build-up to Jota’s goal, but was spirited in his performance apart from that, making 3 clearances and an interception. Solid job.
Joshua Kimmich: 8/10
Joshua Kimmich’s game by numbers vs. Portugal:
94% pass accuracy
7 passes into the box
6 ball recoveries
3/3 long passes
2/3 crosses
2 key passes
1 block
1 assist
0.57 xAAnother excellent big game showing. ?? pic.twitter.com/BGFLHF5a8a
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) June 19, 2021
A classy performance from a classy player who owns his role irrespective of where he plays. Against Portugal, Kimmich revelled in his role as a right wing-back, constantly looking for opportunities to put in a dangerous cross, completing almost every one that he attempted. Played 2 key passes and retained a 94 percent passing rate. Hardly called into action defensively after leaving Guerreiro shell-shocked.
Ilkay Gundogan: 7/10
After failing to make a mark against France, Gundogan was back in his elements versus Portugal. Misplaced just three passes all game while putting in the hard yards off the ball when required. Did complete two interceptions and won a couple of duels as well. Will hope to carry this form into the game against Hungary.
Toni Kroos: 8/10
Germany’s midfield maestro played a major role in ensuring Portugal never overpowered his side on Saturday. The veteran midfielder had more touches on the ball than any other player in the game and managed to retain an impressive 96 percent passing rate while also making as many as four interceptions. Job well done.
Robin Gosens: 9/10
A top class performance by Gosens, who was involved in every goal scored by Germany. It was his cross that was turned in by Ruben Dias for the equaliser before he provided the assist for Kai Havertz early in the second half. The cherry on top was his imposing header, which essentially put the game to bed. Simply brilliant.
1 goal
2 assists
1 Star of the Match awardRobin Gosens ? pic.twitter.com/2dUn0gXoOh
— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 19, 2021
Kai Havertz: 8/10
Part of the fluid German attack that enabled him to play a lot more centrally at times, Havertz was a thorn in the side of the Portugal defenders. It was his movement that forced Ruben Dias to make the error and subsequently score the own goal that was the equaliser. Havertz then stepped in front of Dias to grab a goal for himself when he converted Gosens’ cross.
Thomas Muller: 8/10
Quite a brilliant showing by Muller, who ran the show for Germany and was involved in everything good about the hosts in the game. Released Gosens on a number of occasions and was involved in the build-up to just about every goal. Needs to keep this up to inspire Germany to reach the Round of 16.
Serge Gnabry: 7/10
In what was a much-improved showing, Gnabry showed the urgency that was missing from his game last time out versus France. Always kept the Portugal defenders honest and even forced a save out of Rui Patricio. There were a few wasteful touches but on the whole, Gnabry did his part well.
SUBSTITUTES
Marcel Halstenberg: 6/10
On for Gosens, Halsternberg was not as imposing as the player he replaced, but he still got into good positions in the final third to become an outlet for Germany.
Emre Can: 6/10
Sent on in place of Hummels, Can initially slotted in as a centre-back before moving upfield into the central midfield role after the introduction of Niklas Sule.
Leon Goretzka: 6/10
On for Havertz, Goretzka pushed forward with intent and looked determined to make up for lost time. Remained professional as Germany saw Portugal out to grab the win.
Niklas Sule: 6/10
On for Gundogan, Sule did not have a whole lot of defending to do in the final 20 minutes or so but did make an important block on Nelson Semedo.
Leroy Sane: N/A
A late introduction, Sane did not get many opportunities to showcase his best qualities late on.
