Germany vs. Portugal

Germany vs. Portugal is the first real champagne tie of Euro 2012 and both nations will be desperate to get off to a winning start in what has been touted as the tournament’s ‘group of death’.

It is the Germans who are challenging current holders and world champions Spain for outright favouritism and it is subsequently no surprise to see that the bookmakers are taking no chances on them for this opening contest.

Joachim Loew’s side have been mightily impressive on the big stage throughout the last two major tournaments – demonstrating a wealth of quality and potential which appears to have set them up for a genuine tilt at glory this time around.

After finishing as runners-up to Spain at Euro 2008, Germany then went on to the last four at the 2010 World Cup where they most noticeably put rivals England to the sword 4-1 in the second round.

It seemed if anything as if their squad didn’t quite have the mettle to go all the way in South Africa but that should not be an issue now with time and experience on their side.

The only factor potentially damaging to the German camp is Bayern Munich’s defeat in the Champions League final, which left many of the national stars visibly drained and deflated at the final whistle.

Joachim Loew has established a fine reputation for himself as a manager and he will undoubtedly look to put his motivational skills to the test before the big kick-off.

As anticipated, it certainly appears as if Germany’s Bayern stars are taking some time to recover and their recent 5-3 friendly loss to Switzerland was hardly a healthy prep run for the forthcoming championship.

Portugal’s warm-up matches have also left something to be desired and they will go into the tournament low on confidence after being beaten 1-3 by Turkey – a nation who of course failed to even reach the finals in Poland/Ukraine.

Paulo Bento’s charges endured a stuttering qualifying campaign and do look a shadow of past Portugal outfits despite easing comfortably past Bosnia Herzegovina in the play-offs.

Aside from Real Madrid wonder man Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United winger Nani, the Portuguese arguably lack a great deal of top drawer talent and they may be exposed in Group B if failing to rely on that aforementioned pair for attacking spark and goals.

The German midfield certainly looks far stronger and the likes of Mezut Ozil, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Thomas Muller can cause damage to the Euro 2004 finalists.

Germany are a general 5/6 to hit the ground running in Lviv and they will definitely take some stopping if able to get into an early rhythm.

All things told, the draw at 13/5 may be the best that Portugal can hope for unless Ronaldo can run the show, but even he could struggle for any joy as Germany have the solid defensive substance to back up their attacking quality.

Portugal are a shade under 4/1 to claim a shock victory and those odds make little appeal, especially as they head into the tournament on the back of some poor displays and the national side is clearly not reflecting the strong performances of their domestic clubs in Europe throughout the last season.

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04/06/2012     © Frixo 2026