In the second Group of Death matchup of the day, Germany defeated Portugal in a two-part-record-breaking 4-2 scoreline at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. The first record came at the 15th minute when Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first ever goal against a German side, resulting from a perfectly executed counterattack, to give Portugal an early lead. The second record came at the 39th minute when, after Ruben Dias’ own goal in the 35th minute, Raphael Guerreiro would score Portugal’s second own goal in four minutes and set the unfortunate record of being the first team to score to own goals at the Euros.
German striker Kai Havertz would score a tap in at the 51st minute, followed by teammate Robin Gosens in the 60th minute with a beautifully placed header, given that fact that he was completely unmarked.
The Portuguese would get one more goal as a late consolation when forward Diogo Jota scored in the 67th minute by volleying in an acrobatic pass from Ronaldo.
Portugal would have problems defending during the entirety of the game as two more goals for Germany would be called back for offsides. Portuguese right back Nélson Semedo would have a difficult afternoon as he would get into the habit of dropping into a central position when Germany was attacking, letting the German right winger Gosens, roam free for most attacks. This mistake would cost Portugal three goals, as it was Gosens that helped cause the first own goal, assisted Kai Havertz’s goal, and scored himself, not to mention his opening goal of the game that was called back for an initial offsides leading up the goal.
The win for Germany ensures that they still have a chance to advance to the knockout stage and that Portugal now has to get at least a point in their next game against France to ensure their chances advancing as well.
Photo: Thomas Muller, from Shutterstock, taken by Ververidis Vasilis
