Germany Show Their Class In Victory Over Ronaldo’s Portugal

A defeat to France with a toothless attack was hugely damaging for Germany’s chances at Euro 2020, with many fans suggesting that the team would fall way short of success in the tournament, yet the team showed their class in a 4-2 victory over Portugal.

Cristiano Ronaldo put Fernando Santos’ charges ahead in the first half, completing a quite wonderful counter-attack from a German corner, with the Juventus man heading the ball clear in his own penalty area and getting on the final pass and scoring all within 13 seconds.

Germany could have easily folded at this point, but it was obvious Portugal’s opening goal was against the run of play.

It took the 2014 world champions just 20 minutes to equalise, with Ruben Dias scoring an unfortunate own-goal 10 minutes from half-time.

Before half-time, Germany were in front as Raphael Guerreiro also put the ball into his own net attempting to clear away a dangerous cross across the penalty area.

Whilst the nature of the goals conceded were unfortunate, Portugal could have few complaints about the scoreline, with the midfield duo of Danilo Pereira and William Carvalho dooming the team to struggle to attack from the off.

Kai Havertz made it 3-1 after 51 minutes before a Robin Gosens header put Die Mannschaft 4-1 ahead after an hour.

Portugal pulled a goal back through Diogo Jota with 20 minutes left to play, but they were unable to push to make the game closer in the final minutes, although Renato Sanches’ long-range strike was the closest they came.

France’s draw with Hungary has opened up the group ahead of the final matchday, with just one point separating Germany, France and Portugal.