Group F
Germany 1-1 Portugal
Werner 28’
Ronaldo 87’
Sean Kelly
Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
Saturday 20th June
Germany this evening are reflecting on the ignominious prospect of a second consecutive group stage elimination from a major tournament after Cristiano Ronaldo’s late penalty rescued a crucial point for Portugal.
Despite their impressive display in the defeat to France in their opening game, Germans don’t accept glorious failure and the crowd were fired up here from the outset. The national anthem was sung with gusto from players and fans alike as they looked to avoid a repeat of the humiliation two years ago in Russia.
Joachim Loew made three changes as he looked to freshen things up after the energy sapping clash with the French. In came Nico Schulz, Leon Goretzka and Kai Havertz in place of Matthias Ginter, Ilkay Gundogan and Julian Brandt.
Fernando Santos very much reverted to type for this game after a more open approach against Bulgaria. He would have been well aware of the greater difficulty here and opted for Danilo Pereira in midfield in place of Bruno Fernandes for greater solidity.
Portugal did well to dampen the atmosphere early doors as Germany looked to make a fast start. Serge Gnabry had an effort saved by Rui Patricio but from there Portugal were able to keep Die Mannschaft at bay, mainly through niggling fouls and a rather low block defence, it must be said. They themselves were not overly ambitious aside from a couple of long range efforts from Bernardo Silva and Raphael Guerreiro that did little to trouble Manuel Neuer in the German goal.
Germany almost opened the scoring in the 20th minute. A Toni Kross corner from the left was met by Antonio Rudiger but his header was cleared off the line by Nelson Semedo as the Munich crowd were just about to go wild in celebration.
It would not be long however until Loew’s side got the breakthrough that they craved. Portugal’s stubborn defending and Santos’ personal reputation would have had many German supporters worried, especially if the Portuguese were to nick a goal themselves and go in front. The mood in the Allianz Arena erupted though in the 28th minute thanks to Timo Werner and it was a moment of magic from the Leipzig striker. With Havertz in the team and operating in more of a false 9 position it allowed Werner to drift left and use his pace to target the Portuguese backline and he did so to tremendous effect. He retrieved a loose ball and stood Semedo up before leaving him dizzy with a glorious faint. From there Werner cut inside and looked for all the world like he would curl it into the far corner. He proceeded to take everyone by surprise and fired in at the near post to leave Rui Patricio looking shell shocked. It must have felt like a ‘what could have been’ moment for the striker as he celebrated in Bayern Munich’s ground. He looked all set to join Bayern last summer but the move fell through late on and it now looks as though we will be seeing him in the Premier League next season.
Germany didn’t rest on their laurels and looked to add a second before half time with Goretzka and Gnabry forcing Patricio into fine saves. Santos would have been relieved to hear the half time whistle so his side could regroup after barely hanging on.
The second half started at a slower pace with Germany feeling their way into it and Portugal not yet feeling the need to go gung ho. Chances were few and far between with William Carvalho going close with a header and Lukas Klostermann firing over at the other end.
The introduction of Joao Felix for Carvalho sparked a bit more life into the Portuguese and he was causing all sorts of problems for Germany. The duel between himself and Joshua Kimmich was a personal highlight and Portugal almost equalised after a cynical challenge from Kimmich resulted in Cristiano Ronaldo forcing Neuer into a great save from the free kick.
Indeed it was the inspirational Felix who brought about the decisive moment in the second half. Having spun away from Kross and glided into the box, Niklas Sule inexplicably barged the Atletico man over and the referee Sergey Karasev had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.
Ronaldo, who had barely been involved up to this point, stepped up and smashed home giving Neuer no chance. Joyous celebrations ensued which will one day make it onto the film about his life that is sure to be made.
Germany were stunned and desperately tried to force a late winner but time was not on their side as Portugal were all to happy to take the point and held on to consolidate their position in the group and look in a strong position to make it to the last 16.
As for Germany they now go into their final group game with Bulgaria knowing only a win will do. They will be firm favourites to do so, but didn’t we all think that against South Korea two years ago? One thing is for sure, if there is to be a repeat of that result, we won’t see Loew in Qatar in two years time looking to make amends again.