Saturday 7.45pm - Germany v Portugal - Preview/Match Thread

Crispy

Germany v Portugal – Saturday 9 June, 7.45pm kick off

Fifa Rankings:
Germany 3
Portugal 10

Saturday’s evening game in Group B sees the two sides that have knocked England out of their last three tournaments clash, as Joachim Loew’s Germany take on Portugal led by Paulo Bento and captained by a certain Cristiano Ronaldo.

Tactics

It’s no surprise to see that Germany are one of the favourites to lift the trophy, qualifying for the tournament with a perfect 10 out of 10 record and scoring 34 goals in the process and coach Loew has a full strength squad to pick from. Arsenal’s Per Mertesacker is fit after taking a knock in training as is Champions League villain Bastian Schweinsteiger and they will take their places in what’s expected to be a 4-2-3-1 formation. Leading the line for the Germans will be Mario Gomez, with new Arsenal signing Lukas Podolski playing alongside Mesut Ozil and Thomas Muller behind the Bayern Munich man.

Portugal are expected to mirror the Germans tactics, but it’s fair to say don’t have the quality that the Germans have in abundance. Ronaldo will be the spearhead for attacks that could come few and far between, but his former Manchester United teammate Nani is fit and can offer a huge threat on the break. And keep your eye out for centre half Pepe. If you haven’t seen him in a Real Madrid shirt, then be prepared for tantrums and a possible brawl that he’ll be in the middle of.

One to Watch

Germany – Mario Gomez
Portugal – Cristiano Ronaldo

Odds:
Germany to win 11/10
Portugal 11/4
Draw 23/10

Prediction

Can’t see past a German win, they have the potential to go all the way and despite suffering a defeat at the hands of the Swiss recently, the return of Bayern Munich’s players after their defeat to Chelsea will give them a huge boost. 2-0 with Gomez and Muller getting the goals.

HugoZHackenbush

Has to be the Hermanns doesn't it? Portugal very unconvincing in the qualifiers

Bedsaddick

Germany V Portugal 3-1scorline 16-1 bet365
Both Teams to score 5-6 Betfair
Muller to score anytime (11-4 Paddypower)

Lincsaddick

Germany 2 v Portugal 0

AFKABartram

Nice piece @Crispy. At a wedding so will miss this one. Think it could be a cracker of high quality.

Ronaldo's free kick accuracy is such a threat, so I expect Portugal to make Tom Daley look an amateur diver anytime within striking range.

RedPanda

I kinda like Germany to win 3-2 here, there should be goals.

jakecafc

2-2

O-Randy-Hunt

Chucking 50 on a holland Germany double for 190 back

So hoping Germany win comfortably

Addickted4life

Germany 4- 2 Portugal

cafcvfr

germany 2-0

North Lower Neil

3-1 to Germany.

1StevieG

2-1 to the Germans. If there is one team that I can't stand it's the cheating Portuguese. For all their skill they don't half dive around and play act.

Bedsaddick

Mark Lawrenson really is a moron. Why do the BBC persist with this idiot?

HugoZHackenbush

It's an integral part of their ant-discrimination policy - they are not allowed to discriminate on the grounds of race, creed, colour, sexuality, talent or intelligence.

Mortimerician

You can see why players simulate. Two ridiculous roll arounds, two yellows.

Mortimerician

Mark Lawrenson really is a moron. Why do the BBC persist with this idiot?

The 5 live commentary is mercifully Alan green free. Couldn't stand listening to lawro after a minute.

Addickted4life

That was the worst game of the Euro's so far. It picked up in the last 20 mins but it was still mostly zzzzzzzzzzz.