UEFA Nations League Final Four Preview | Germany vs Portugal | OneFootball

Joshua Kimmich is set to play his 100th game for Germany as Julian Nagelsmann’s side look to book their place in the UEFA Nations League Final on home soil, but they first must overcome Portugal that will be spearheaded by Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Cristiano Ronaldo has crazy numbers, especially when you look at the consistency,” commended Kimmich. “He’s been playing at a very high level for over 20 years, performing for his country.”

Jonathan Tah and Waldemar Anton will be the likely duo that will be tasked with stopping the threat of Ronaldo.

How do Germany look heading into the game?

Nagelsmann’s side come into this game having overcome Italy, winning 5-4 on aggregate. A somewhat controlling performance despite conceding three goals in the second-leg, the national team will feel confident heading into Wednesday tie.

And they also have a good record against Portugal. They’ve won their last five against Wednesday’s opposition dating back to July 2006. Germany won 4-2 in their previous meeting against Portugal which came at Euro 2020 during the Covid-19 era.

Much of the team – then coached by Joachim Löw – has changed massively under Nagelsmann. There was no Florian Wirtz or Jamal Musiala back then and while Musiala is sidelined, there’s a debutant within the squad that has taken the Bundesliga by storm.

Nick Woltemade (23) of Stuttgart has scored 17 goals and provided three assists in 33 games across all competitions for VfB last season and is expected to lead the line for the German national team against Portugal.

Injuries hit the Germany squad

Nagelsmann has already had to deal with an injury crisis within the national team. Heading into the international break, Germany have to do without Antonio Rüdiger, Nico Schlotterbeck, Kai Havertz, Tim Kleindienst and the Musiala.

Since then, Nadiem Amiri has since withdrawn, as has Angelo Stiller, Jonathan Burkardt and Yann Aurel Bisseck, with Monaco’s Thilo Kehrer being called up.

Portugal’s situation heading into Wednesday’s Nations League semi-final

Joao Neves, Vitinha and Nuno Mendes have all been called up by Roberto Martinez but are unlikely to start after playing in the UEFA Champions League final against Inter on Saturday night, meaning starts for Nelson Semedo and Nuno Tavares, while Rubén Neves and João Palhinha should act as a double pivot.

Ronaldo should also lead the line for Portugal.

Probable Germany XI vs Portugal

Marc-Andre ter Stegen – Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan Tah, Waldemar Anton, Maximilian Mittelstadt – Pascal Gross, Leon Goretzka – Leroy Sane, Florian Wirtz, Serge Gnabry – Nick Woltemade

GGFN | Daniel Pinder