(EURO 2012 - Group Stage - Match 1) Germany v. Portugal 06.09.2012 [R]

I expect we will see a draw in this one. Forcing Loew to make some changes before a do or die match #3 against the Netherlands.

Schweini to score with a long range shot. He likes scoring against Portugal

I just hope Schweini is fit to play, he loves Portugal.

In all seriousness, though, I expect a tough match. I think Portugal is one of the more underrated teams in this tournament - everybody remembers '06 and '08, but if the guys go in thinking they'll walk all over the Portugese again, they're in for a surprise. We should be able to beat them if we play well and don't get overconfident, but I don't think it will be easy.

The back four in today's training session:

Schmelzer - Badstuber - Hummels - Bender

Lahm didn't train with the team (no injuries, just rested).

3:1 for our team.

This game is do or die. If they dont win this, there will be a real possibility of an early exit.
A win will give them a huge confidence boost.

3-1 for our boys.

Group of Death, here we go!

2-1 Germany.

Portugal is an elite team and will put up a great fight. Should be a good match.

3-1, solid and relatively easy win for Germany. If not, you can blame me for jinxing the team.

Starting 11??????? Maybe someone can enlighten me. I am unsure as to who will start in the hole... Muller, Gotze, Kroos?

-------------------Neuer-----------------------
Lahm---Badstuber---Hummels---Schmelzer
----------Khedira-------Schweinsteiger-------
Ozil--------------Muller---------------Podolski
-------------------Gomez-----------------------

-------------------Neuer-----------------------
Boateng---Badstuber---Mertesacker---Lahm
----------Khedira-------Schweinsteiger-------
Müller--------------Özil---------------Podolski
-------------------Klose-----------------------

Maybe Hummels instead of Merte but I doubt it.

You really think Klose will start ahead of Gomez? Considering his injuries, I highly doubt it. The backline I could potentially see, but I doubt Mertesacker's presence as well.

In big games, yes.

In friendlies he will "experiment" and never try it again if it doesn't work.

My ideal lineup would be

Lahm hummels bads boetang
Khadira piggy
Muller Ozil poldi
Klose (if fit)

Gomez for Klose
Reus for muller
Schurrle for poldi
Gotze in as joker
Kroos for khadira

What I think Low will do -

----------------Neuer
Boateng-Merte-Badstuber-Lahm
---Schweinsteiger-Khedira
----Muller-----Ozil-----Podolski
----------------Klose

Personally I would definitely, beyond the shadow of a doubt, start Hummels instead of Mertesacker.

I don't mind Podolski on the left because he always helps the fullback and tracks back. Muller also has a great work rate on the right and usually plays well for Germany.

Klose can actually combine with the other attackers, and we have wingers who can play striker so he is the obvious choice over Gomez.

Germany plays best when underdogs.... Hopefully, the bayern players will be fully concentrated after the Chealsea meltdown.

Isn't that an oxymoron?

What happens when the opponent is underdog?

Denmark 92, Bulgaria 94, Croatia 98, Romania 2000, Latvia 2004, Croatia 2008, Serbia 2010........ You get the idea. Unfortunately, this time, the group is so tough that we cannot afford any slips at any point!

Lineups are always a talking point, even if just to critique.

Yup, this match has 0-0 halftime written all over it.

I think we will win if we score two goals. Draw is not unlikely though.

What? There have been matches for Germany where Podolski is almost a quasi fullback because he does so much tracking back.

I don't like Podolski but that is some unwarranted criticsm imo.

Ugh, don't remind me that Mertesacker is going to start...

Ozil is going to be huge in this match. His movement will be key to breaking down Portugal.

Agree. We need to embrace our explosiveness in attack and use dynamic CBs like Hummels who can cope with counter attacks.