June 9, 2012 7:45 PM BST
L'viv Arena — L'viv
Referee: S. Lannoy
Team News
Germany
Per Mertesacker is back fit having missed the last half of the season
with Arsenal through injury. He is set to start at centre-back alongside
Badstuber, with Hummels settling for a place on the bench.
Bastian Schweinsteiger hasn't featured in Germany's recent friendlies
but is back in contention and should start the match, though he, Kroos
and Khedira are all fighting for two places in the side.
Goals in the games against Switzerland and Israel have put Andre
Schurrle right in contention to start on the left flank, though Podolski
is likely to be favoured, with Klose also set to get the nod over Gomez
up front.
Portugal
Nani is a slight injury concern ahead of Portugal's opener having trained separately from the rest of the group in midweek.
Manager Bento will want the United man fit as his wide players are the
best weapons at his disposal after a lot has been made of their lack of
attacking threat through the centre, with Postiga the likely starting
striker.
Rui Patricio should start in goal ahead of Eduardo and youngster Beto,
behind the experienced defensive partnership of Bruno Alves and Pepe.
Probable Lineups
Germany (4-2-3-1) : Neuer, Lahm, Mertesacker, Badstuber, Boateng, Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Podolski, Ozil, Muller, Klose.
Portugal (4-3-3) : Patricio, Pereira, Pepe, Alves, Coentrao, Meireles, Veloso, Moutinho, Nani, Postiga, Ronaldo.
Match Facts
Germany have won their last 10 matches in EURO Cup.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Germany's last 9 games in EURO Cup.
Germany have scored at least 3 goals in 8 of their last 9 matches in EURO Cup.
Germany have been winning at both half time and full time in their last 6 matches in EURO Cup.
Germany have seen over 2.5 goals in their last 3 matches against Portugal in all competitions.
Prediction
In any other group Portugal, despite a troubled path to the tournament,
would be a favourite to progress to the quarter-finals but in this
year's 'group of death' there is no doubt that many see them as third
best behind Netherlands and Saturday's opponents Germany.
Low's side are tipped to be Spain's biggest rivals to win the tournament
and despite an unconvincing approach in recent friendlies, they should
have a more settled side for the Portugal game as they look to stifle
the attacking threat of Ronaldo and co.
Germany's full-backs will need to be on the top of their game and having
worked on his back four in the game with Israel, Low will be confident
that they can hit an open Portugal side on the counter attack.
Germany 2 - 0 Portugal
0 comments:
Post a Comment