Germany vs Portugal

A place in the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League final is on the line as Germany and Portugal go head-to-head in a blockbuster semi-final at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena.

Germany squeezed past Italy in a high-scoring Nations League quarter-final tie, seizing a 2-1 first-leg advantage to progress as 5-4 aggregate winners. In doing so, ‘Die Mannschaft’ secured their first-ever appearance in the Nations League finals. Furthermore, they boast home advantage in this mouth-watering semi-final tie, which could prove critical to their hopes of winning a first title under Julian Nagelsmann. Indeed, they’ve only lost once in 12 home matches since the ex-Bayern Munich boss lost his first touchline clash on home turf (W8, D3). It was way back in November 2023, and plenty has since changed for the Germans, who are unbeaten in all eight internationals (W5, D3) since exiting Euro 2024 against another semi-finalist, Spain. Buoyed by a five-game winning H2H streak against Portugal, Germany will be confident of adding to their exceptional undefeated run.

Meanwhile, Portugal will be out to avenge a 4-2 defeat in their last meeting and take a decisive step toward hoisting the Nations League trophy for the first time since winning the inaugural edition in 2018/19. Moreover, this could be Roberto Martinez’s final chance to salvage his career at the helm amid growing speculation linking Jose Mourinho with the managerial reins at the Selecao. Therefore, Portugal will be keen to halt a three-game winless streak on the road (D2, L1) after losing the first quarter-final leg to Denmark (0-1). Worryingly, all three matches came in the Nations League, largely thanks to their defensive issues. Indeed, they’ve only kept one clean sheet in eight Nations League games during the ongoing cycle.