Germany has a lot to say at this European Championship. After falling in their debut against France, the German team caught on an excellent performance to beat Portugal (2-4) in Munich. Cristiano Ronaldo put the Portuguese ahead in the first minutes but then the Portuguese team succumbed to the German roller. Two own goals from Portugal and one from Havertz gave Löw’s team three key points. The group of death is very much alive.
Germany does not usually marry well with the drama with the ball at the feet, but after the reality bath suffered against France , in Munich the feeling that the night could be black swarmed in the atmosphere. First, because a defeat placed him on the ropes on the edge of the KO and because in front of him was a Cristiano Ronaldo and history has taught us that he usually wears the best suit at the big events. So the German box was condemned to excellence in a life or death duel at the Allianz Arena.
Hungary’s draw against France left Germany last in the group (with one game less) and Portugal in second position with three, one less than France . So the Germans had no choice but to seek victory from the beginning, something that has always been the watchword of their history. Therefore, at five minutes Gosens had already celebrated the first goal of the game that was annulled for offside by Gnabry . Scare for a Portugal that took away its fear by assuming control of the ball against a very aggressive Germany that opted to put pressure on the man and raise the pressure line to maximum power.
Germany’s approach was impeccable but leaving space for Cristiano Ronaldo, still 36 years old, is audacious. A German corner, cleared by Cristiano, landed on the ball in the boots of Bernardo Silva who directed a perfect pass to Jota so that he gave the ball to the former Real Madrid player who logically did not miss. Cristiano started and finished a perfect play that perfectly defines the figure of one of the greatest scorers of all time. After scoring two goals in the debut against Hungary, the ‘7’ reappeared to pave the way for the current champion towards the round of 16.
Germany was on the ropes and after half an hour had the prize of the goal after Ruben Dias finished off a good German cross from the left at his own door. But there would be more drama for Portugal, since three minutes later Guerreiro also finished towards his goal to strain the bottom into the net. Germany had come back from the game in less than five minutes and on the next play Havertz , who took part in the first, was about to make the third for the Germans. Portugal was completely on the canvas and begging for mercy before the break.
Havertz puts the game on track
The passage through the changing rooms did not stop the desire of Germany that continued to threaten the area of Portugal. This dominance led to a good ball from Gosens that Havertz riveted to the net. 3-1 and party on track. Gosens, who was still the best player of the match, put the finishing touch to his performance with a splendid header to make the fourth. In the middle of the German festival, Cristiano Ronaldo touched a hanging ball and assisted Diego Jota to cut the gap. There were 20 minutes left and Portugal was going up in an avalanche. With just over ten minutes to go, Renato Sanches struck a ball on the post and there the Portuguese momentum ended. France (four points), Germany and Portugal with three and Hungary (1) will play the classification on the last day in a group of death that is very much alive.
