UEFA Nations League: High-Flying Nations Aim for Pre-World Cup Boost

Germany vs Portugal

It’s suddenly June and, in a year when there is not a major international men’s tournament to feast our eyes on, some leading players could probably do with a break. Alas, football’s authorities don’t do breaks so the gap over the next six weeks or so will be filled by the newly fangled FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Nations League.

First up, a humdinger of a semi-final in the latter between two nations packed with star names.

 

Talking Points

This SBOTOP scribe remembers the inaugural Nations League final six years ago, a tournament won by the Portuguese and inspired by their legendary captain. On that occasion, Portugal became the first European nation to host and win a final of a major competition since France beat Brazil 3-0 in the final of the 1998 World Cup. They reached this stage by topping a group comprising Croatia, Scotland and Poland, a pool they won with ease.

Their opponents on Wednesday, Germany, qualified by finishing ahead of Holland, Hungary and Bosnia and they have a distinct advantage as hosts this time around.

Germany were my tips to be crowned European champions last year but their hearts were left broken by a last gasp quarter-final defeat at home to eventual winners Spain. Yet I still think they could be on the verge of something special and have the capability to deliver Nations League 2025 highlights.

The international retirements of several high-profile players such as Manuel Neuer, Ilkay Gundogan, Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller have left an obvious gap but Julian Nagelsmann’s men still have plenty of talent, although Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller will have to sit this one out through injury. They will also be missing Jamal Musiala who, like Antonio Rüdiger, Nico Schlotterbeck and Stiller, is a Nagelsmann regular. Tim Kleindienst scored in both legs of the quarter-final win over Italy but is another absentee.

Germany came through that thrilling tie against the Italians in March, winning 5-4 on aggregate, and now victory in this tournament could be the perfect springboard to next summer’s World Cup.

There again, Portugal will feel the same as manager Roberto Martinez seeks to improve on his record as boss of Belgium, who he guided to third place at the 2018 World Cup. Ronaldo remains captain, despite the 40 year-old recently hinting at his probable departure from Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, and behind him there is plenty of talent.

A trio, Vitinha, Joao Neves and Nuno Mendes, all featured in Saturday’s Champions League final at the same venue in Munich, but they may well be involved.

 

History

Five tournament meetings in the last 19 years, five German victories. The first one came in the 2006 World Cup third-place play-off when Mannschaft ran out 3-1 winners, helped by a double from Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Two years later they met in the quarter-finals at Euro 2008 and the Germans again triumphed, this time 3-2, courtesy of goals from Schweinsteiger, Miroslav Klose and Michael Ballack. Nuno Gomes and Helder Postiga replied for Portugal.

Mario Gomez’s second-half header earned Germany a 1-0 group win at Euro 2012 and Germany won again, this time 4-0, in another group match two years later on their way to being crowned world champions. On that occasion, Muller grabbed a hat-trick in a match where the Portuguese had to play for an hour with 10 men.

A group stage match in Munich at Euro 2020 (played in 2021) saw Ronaldo put Portugal in front before two quick own goals turned the tables and Kai Havertz and Robin Gosens then put Germany firmly in the ascendancy. They ultimately won 4-2.

Portugal’s only victory against them in the last 25 years came with a 3-0 triumph at Euro 2000 as Sérgio Conceição scored a hat-trick in Rotterdam to eliminate the then holders.

Germany have won 11 of the 19 matches between the nations, compared to three Portuguese victories and five draws. Another of those Portuguese successes came in Germany- a 1-0 win in Stuttgart in World Cup qualifying in October 1985 which was West Germany’s first ever defeat in a World Cup qualifier.

 

Betting Tip

The Nations League 2025 betting odds give the advantage to the nation with home advantage.

Germany are priced 1X2 @ 1.84 and the draw is on offer @ 3.32 (although obviously the tie will have to be settled on the night). Portugal are on offer 1X2 @ 3.62 and Asian Handicap +0.50 @ 2.04. A re-run of their last meeting from four years ago will pay out @ 60.00 with Correct Score 4-2.

   

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