There are no surprises that the Euro 2020 Group of Death delivered a blockbuster game at the Allianz Arena.
The 2014 World Cup winners Germany needed a big performance against Portugal and delivered the highest-scoring game at Euro 2020 so far. The 4-2 result, coupled with France’s draw with Hungary earlier in the day, leaves the picture at the top of Group F wide open.
An opening defeat to world champions France brought its fair share of criticism, but a rejuvenated Germany were hungry from the first whistle against the defending champions.
Their hopes and fast start hit a snag when Cristiano Ronaldo headed a Germany corner clear, then sprinted 92 metres in 14.3 seconds to tap home at the other end only 15 minutes in. However, the Germans were patient despite the stunning counter-attack and didn’t give Portugal breathing space in their own half.
Germany forced two own goals from Rúben Dias and Raphaël Guerreiro within four minutes before halftime and continued the onslaught in the second period with goals from Kai Havertz and Robin Gosens.
Their ruthless attacking and exquisite play between the lines was pleasing on the eye and reminiscent of dominant German teams of yesteryear. The width and technical abilities of the impressive Gosens and Joshua Kimmich at wing-back is key to their effectiveness; as all four goals came from dizzying wing play with the pair involved.
Having now leapfrogged Portugal into second place, Germany have the chance to keep that spot should they defeat the stubborn Hungarians in the last dance. Indeed, a top-two finish will guarantee a Last 16 clash against the winner of the Czech Republic and England’s group.
Everyone would be wary of facing Germany in this form.
Are Germany Contenders?
A rampant display dispelled all the doubts that had assailed them at the start and confidence flowed through them.
They began to show the certainty that when major tournaments come around, the Germans usually find a way to hit form. It is the lasting legacy they would look to uphold on World Cup-winning coach Joachim Löw’s final hoorah.
Die Mannschaft are dangerously motivated as they look to close a long, successful era on a high. The underdogs’ tag could also work in their favour.
Löw has a talented squad at his disposal having reintegrated Thomas Müller and Mats Hummels into the squad following their international exiles. He possesses a supremely technical mix bristling with world-class experience, talented youth, and, crucially, quality options in reserve.
The 3-4-3 system amplifies the team’s strengths and masks their collective weakness. Yet, Löw is also able to call upon a deep squad full of quality.
So far, the 61-year-old has had speedsters Leroy Sané and Timo Werner available to him from the bench; alongside Leon Goretzka, Niklas Süle, Jamal Musiala, and Kevin Volland.
Although conceding thrice in two games will slightly worry Germany’s backline, it is quite excusable given the strength of their opponents. They will be more concerned about maintaining a balance of attacking and defending against Hungary’s low-block and rapid counter attacking threat.
Nevertheless, their potential knockout opponents would be more concerned about avoiding Germany than they would any other favourites.
Provided they make it out of the Group of Death, everyone knows they’re unstoppable once Germany hit their stride.
