Four observations from Germany’s 4-2 thumping of Portugal at the Euro 2020 tournament - Bavarian Football Works

Servus, Robin Gosens

Robin Gosens absolutely dominated the game and is directly responsible for at least two of Germany’s goals. Nelson Semedo was thoroughly hopeless to stop the stem of play through the left side of the Portuguese defense. For all of the flak he rightfully got last match vs France, Gosens turned on his form from Atalanta and absolutely made Portugal his muse by dictating all play on the left side of the pitch until his mid-second half substitution.

Hello, Euro 2020

Die Mannschaft is BACK. I was never worried. I was in the minority here at Bavarian Football Works when I would argue in our slack channel that Germany played quite well during the France game. Well Fergus & INNN, guess what? Told you so! In actuality, Germany still has some flaws they need to adjust should they make a legitimate run, but this is the Germany I have come to love and are very resembling of their dominant 2014 World Cup winning squad. Either way, if Germany continues at this level, they can very well be considered a dark horse candidate to make a deep run.

Fast and furious

Heavy German control, Portuguese counter attacks galore, two own goals, and a goal by Ronaldo. Nine shots, 59% for Germany in the first half. Germany had 30 touches inside Portugal's box in the first half, most of any team of the tourney. This Germany team was angry and it showed. While still vulnerable to the Portuguese counter-attack, Germany utterly dominated and controlled this match while making Portugal experience the same feeling Germany did during France, the pain of own goals. The two own goals by Portugal today were a Euros record.

A change of scenery

Jogi Löw, a return to normalcy would be preferred. No more of this 3-4-3 because not only don’t have the right personal for it on the pitch, you don’t have the squad for it. Antonio Rüdiger and Mats Hummels do not have the pace to maintain a back three against faster paced teams such as Portugal and France. While this scoreline was of the utmost importance for Germany’s chances to qualify, it should serve as a warning for Löw to do a few things.

First, for the love of god make Joshua Kimmich the No. 6. We get that he is an elite right-back, but he serves a much better purpose being the No. 6 as he is undoubtedly the best in the world at that position. We don’t see Cristiano Ronaldo or Robert Lewandowski playing attacking midfield, do we?

Second, if Leon Goretzka is healthy, you must and I repeat, must start him as a midfield pivot to Kimmich. You want a healthy midfield to protect your defense? There you go. The third (or in this case fourth) midfielders can be any of the İlkay Gündoğan, Toni Kroos, Kai Havertz, or Thomas Müller.

Third, Niklas Süle absolutely needs to be the RB on the squad. He played exceptionally during the season under Hansi Flick at Bayern when he filled into RB. The defense lacks the pace and by forcing Kimmich into the RB/RWB role you limit his central playmaking ability.

Finally, do not make Serge Gnabry your No. 9. Put him out wide where he can flash his talent. Put in Timo Werner more often, or if even needed Kevin Volland as he is truly the only traditional No. 9 on the roster.

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