Portugal Braces for Martinez's Determined Effort to End 25-Year Long Struggle Against Germany
Portugal Takes On Germany in Nations League Semi-final
Get ready for an exciting clash this Wednesday as Portugal battles Germany in the Nations League semi-final, a tournament the Portuguese squad is eager to dominate once again since their triumph in 2019.
Stepping into the coach's hot seat is Roberto Martinez, who's got big shoes to fill as he tries to guide Portugal to success once more. The team's dominance in the group stage was undeniable, finishing first in their group with Croatia, Scotland, and Poland trailing behind.
In the quarterfinals, Portugal knocked out Denmark, squeezing past them in the second game at Alvalade. On the other side, Germany nailed their group stage by defeating the Netherlands, Hungary, and Bosnia. In the 'quarters', Julian Nagelsmann's team eliminated Italy.
History has shown that Germany and Portugal have faced each other 19 times, with Germany holding a significant advantage (11 wins compared to Portugal's 3). The last time Portugal emerged victorious was nearly 25 years ago on the legendary night of June 20, 2000, fueled by Sergio Conceicao's hat-trick in the third and final game of Group A during that year's European Championship.
Since then, Germany's dominance persisted against Portugal in major tournaments like Euros or World Cups, with the exception of Euro 2012 (a 0-1 defeat). Unfortunately for Portugal, they've usually conceded three or more goals in these matches.
The game at the Allianz Arena is set for an 8 pm (Central European Time) kick-off this Wednesday, with Slavko Vincic as the referee. Stay tuned for live coverage on Desporto ao Minuto.
In their own words
Julian Nagelsmann- Positive record against Portugal: "I don't focus on that. We've won many times, but it doesn't benefit us. I don't even discuss it with the players. These numbers often cause confusion rather than help."- Key to reaching the final: "Portugal plays similarly to us. It's tough to predict their strategy when they have the ball. We must apply pressure smartly, and take advantage of the spaces left behind. Our goal is to be the best team in this tournament, and we need to demonstrate that on Wednesday."- Praise for Vitinha and João Neves: "They've deserved their success after joining the Champions League celebration in Munich. But they're talented players. Vitinha and João Neves make a formidable midfield duo. Vitinha's been in outstanding form and had a stellar season. Maybe he'll be a little fatigued on Wednesday."
Roberto Martinez- Importance of the Nations League: "Opinions in football are subjective. But what's crucial is the facts. I examine the 28 games we've played, and the team's displayed exceptional commitment. We top the points, goals, and wins charts in the last ten years of the national team. We're where we want to be, in the semis of the Nations League. Now, we need to win this game to achieve our objective of international titles."- Reinforcing the Beard of Steel Game: "We need to continue showing what we can do on Wednesday. Playing against a caliber team like this demands maximum effort, and we need to stick together and demonstrate the level of play Mr. Humberto Coelho did 25 years ago. If it was done once, it can be done again."- Overcoming Germany: "Germany is our mountain to conquer. We respect the opponent, but we have to focus on what we can do on Wednesday and understand how we can maintain the level of play we showed in the second game against Denmark. That game away from home didn't suit us since we weren't ourselves. And that's the challenge—being the team we were at home away."
Latest Results- Germany: W-W-D-W-W- Portugal: D-W-D-L-W
Latest Lineups- Germany: Oliver Baumann in goal, Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rüdiger, Jonathan Tah, Nico Schlotterbeck, Angelo Stiller, Leon Goretzka, Leroy Sané, Jamal Musiala, Max Mittelstadt, Tim Kleindienst.- Portugal: Diogo Costa in goal, Diogo Dalot, Gonçalo Inácio, Rúben Dias, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Francisco Conceição, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Leão.
Absentees- None reported for either team.
The recent history of battles between Portugal and Germany reveals an intense rivalry. Despite Germany's overall superior record, Portugal managed to pull off a 2-1 victory in the UEFA Nations League semi-final on June 4, 2025. This match took place at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany.
Key to their success was Portugal's ability to adapt and make effective substitutions, with Francisco Conceição scoring the equalizer after entering the game as a second-half substitute. Wingers like Pedro Neto and Nuno Mendes provided width, delivering crosses that led to Cristiano Ronaldo's goal.
Germany's strategies included early pressure and midfield control, with Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka creating scoring chances through their passing range and vision.
Moving forward, both teams will need to tailor their strategies to the specific opponent and context of the upcoming match, given that the victory will determine whether Portugal marches on to the final or Germany fight for third place. Portugal should focus on using their wingers effectively, being adaptable, and maintaining defensive solidity. Germany should maintain their early intensity, continue controlling the midfield, and learn from their recent defeats.
In this upcoming Nations League semi-final, Portuguese and German teams will bring their top international football skills to the European football arena. The clash against Germany, taking place at the Allianz Arena, promises to be an exciting repeat of their UEFA Nations League semi-final battle in 2025, a match Portuguese champions won with a score of 2-1.
