(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).

 

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!

 

Line-ups shouldn't be a talking point. At this stage I think we're all pretty familiar with the manager and know he will go into this match with his most familiar set-up.

It's hard to call this match. I think both sides will play conservatively, not only because we haven't set a good precedent with the preparation matches but because this is the first match. Portugal don't want to lose it and we certainly don't want to depend on picking up three points against the toughest opponent in the following match.

I reckon it will be a draw. Their backline is tall and we can play behind them but they are physical and will shove some of our guys around. Their width will also be a big problem.

Podolski will have to buck the trend and work hard for a change tracking back and helping Lahm. Both fullbacks will have their work cut out for them coming up against Nani, Ronaldo, and Coentrao.

I reckon they will start with Postiga who will drag Badstuber and Mertesacker out of the back so their wide players can occupy the space so their concentration will have to be important here. Moreover their likely three man midfield will be up against our double pivot. Oezil will be key here as they don't have a pure ball-winner and his role will set up how much we will be able to attack, should they choose to man-mark or simply press us enough not to get the ball to him.

Loew has made this side certainly more cautious. We are playing more possession so I don't think we will see as free flowing a brand of football that we did two years ago, certainly not the same pacey counters but this is all in hope to reach a level of play that can beat Spain. I don't personally think Loew has done enough to reach this level - mostly out of his own insecurities but how we play this match will determine how we go about the rest of the tournament.

 

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.

 

The idea behind Hummels' inclusion isn't only of merit.

Reactivity aside, we must also note the team's tactical trajectory.

Since we started to play more possession-based football, our defensive line has started to play higher. It's one reason we conceded so often in qualifying and other friendlies, with any alterations. For this it's crucial to have central defenders who are quick, technically skilled, and can read the game.

Moreover, Schweinsteiger and Khedira get involved a lot more in our build ups and it leaves our defensive line uncovered as opposed to how we played Argentina and England for instance where both players created a brilliant screen, even when we countered. It's crucial then to have defenders who are aware enough and can allow easy transitions from front to back. Hummels again is ideal here as opposed to Mertesacker.