Germany hosts Portugal in the Nations League semifinals at the Allianz Arena
Germany will host Portugal in the UEFA Nations League semifinals at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Wednesday, with the winner advancing to the championship final against either France or Spain.
Germany has a strong record at home, losing only one of their last 13 games, and they have dominated Portugal in their previous five meetings. The last time Portugal beat Germany was a quarter-century ago at UEFA Euro 2000.
Germany is looking to end their trophy drought, which has lasted since they won the FIFA World Cup in 2014.
Their last home defeat was a 4-2 loss in extra time to Spain at UEFA Euro 2024. Coach Julian Nagelsmann is eager for the contest, describing it as a “miniature Euros.” He hopes his team can do well on Wednesday and potentially have two matches in Germany.
The match will also be special for Joshua Kimmich, who is poised to make his 100th national team appearance.
He will become the 14th player in history to reach the century mark in games played for Germany.
Portugal, on the other hand, will be buoyed by the presence of UEFA Champions League winners Vitinha, João Neves, and Nuno Mendes from Paris Saint-Germain. They aim to end their five-match losing streak against Germany.
Some of Portugal’s veterans, including Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Bruno Fernandes, may be particularly motivated after disappointing seasons with their clubs.
Fernandes acknowledged the tough season Manchester United had but expressed his enthusiasm for representing the national team. “I love being here, and I am always willing and able, and I am always happy to represent the national team,” he said. Portugal will look to spoil Germany’s home advantage and reach the final.
