Despite an early setback, that came in the form of a Cristiano Ronaldo goal, Germany managed to switch on the style in their game against Portugal over the weekend and come back to eventually win 4 – 2.
Die Mannschaft were back to their winning ways on Saturday, as they beat Portugal in their second game of the Euros at the Allianz Arena in Munich. A sign of things to come, Germany had the ball in the back of the net through Gosens inside the first five minutes, just to have VAR rule it offside. Nothing seemed to be going right for the Germans after Cristiano Ronaldo smashed in his 107th international goal right on the 15-minute mark.
However, Germany showed grit and determination and managed to pull two goals back before the break, even though they both went down as own goals for Portugal. Germany’s two wing backs, Kimmich and Gosens, both put in inspired performances, and were integral to Germany’s attacking play. "Both wingbacks played higher than against France, which is why we got in behind them with good passes," Joachim Löw said of his players. "Both Kimmich and Gosens were superb today and it was an important part of creating pressure."
Kai Havertz made it 3 -1 for Germany, which was followed by a final German goal from Gosens. Os Navegadores did manage to claw one back shortly after the hour mark through Jota, but Germany comfortably saw out the rest of the game as they cruised to a 4 -2 win.
Gosens was the name on German fans’ lips after his performance on Saturday, and they made their adoration heard when he was subbed off. "It's an incredible night and one I won't forget for the rest of my life," Gosens said after the game.
The result leaves Germany second place in their group with three points, one less than France who drew to Hungary on the weekend, and level with Portugal. As it stands, Germany will advance through to the rest of the tournament. However, there is still one game left of the group stages.
Fortunately, Germany have already faced their two toughest opponents, leaving them with Hungary left to play and the French and the Portuguese to battle it out. “We have qualification in our hands,” said Joachim Löw