Portugal vs. Germany: Team News, Predicted Lineups, Live Stream and TV Info
With the European Under-21 Championship group stage done and dusted, we move straight into the semi-finals. First up is Portugal vs. Germany, the blockbuster tie of the tournament, for the right to fight for the title on Tuesday, June 30.
The Details
Venue: Ander Stadium, Olomouc
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Date: Saturday, June 27, 2015
Time: 5 p.m. BST
TV and live stream: BT Sport 1 & HD (UK) / UEFA.tv live stream
Portugal Preview
Portugal enter the semi-final as the best overall side, having performed superbly in the group stage and going unbeaten thus far. They've conceded just one goal—an 89th-minute equaliser to Sweden in the final game—and have looked the most consistent of the eight sides who travelled to the Czech Republic.
Tiago Ilori was forced off against Sweden early on, with the Liverpool Echo suggesting a thigh injury may be the issue. He's been a rock at the back, and Rui Jorge will be hoping he's fit to face Germany.
Goncalo Paciencia grabbed a goal off the bench against the Scandinavians, staking his claim for a starting role in the 4-4-2 diamond, and the fact he stands the only true No. 9—and that the fill-in forwards have been rather ineffectual so far—gives him cause for optimism.
The midfield four of William Carvalho, Joao Mario, captain Sergio Oliveira and Bernardo Silva will remain.
Germany Preview
It's difficult to know where to stand with Germany; they flit between brilliant and baffling, making themselves tough to forecast and even harder to preview.
The 4-2-3-1 formation has remained a constant throughout the tournament so far, but the personnel has represented a revolving door. Horst Hrubesch has incessantly tinkered with the names on the teamsheet—sometimes to a fault, it must be said.
Nico Schulz played left-wing against the Czech Republic in a defensive move, with Pavel Kaderabek, the hosts' roaming full-back, representing enough of a threat to force two defenders onto his side of the pitch. Ricardo Esgaio is unlikely to garner similar attention, so Leonardo Bittencourt could come back into the XI.
Kevin Volland will be up front, the midfield balance is good and Dominique Heintz has nailed down the centre-back spot next to Matthias Ginter.
Where the Game Will Be Won
There is great reason to start Bittencourt in this match if you're Hrubesch, as the German has shown ability and willingness to get behind full-backs and create angles for byline crosses. Against a diamond, where the wingers are one-on-one with their markers in space, that's an area you have to take advantage of.
After watching Domenico Berardi destroy Raphael Guerreiro, it'd be madness not to bring the nippy, direct and tenacious Bittencourt in here.
Portugal's midfield four should edge possession in the middle, and the physical battle in the centre should be a fantastic watch. Joshua Kimmich, Emre Can, William Carvalho, Sergio Oliveira and Joao Mario will go to work in a tight spot.
Os Selecao are still struggling to score enough goals despite their good play, so if Paciencia is not given the nod, the expectation will fall to Bernardo Silva again, who is yet to net despite scoring four in qualifying.
Prediction
These two teams are evenly matched on paper, so it's a tough call. Portugal have looked better but struggled to score, while Germany offer the good and bad inside 90 minutes, but they still manage to retain a clinical element to their game.
They can't be separated after 90 minutes, but Os Selecao will wear their opponents down in extra time and advance to the final.
Portugal 1-1 Germany (2-1 AET)
