Germany vs Portugal - Player Ratings | OneFootball

Under-fire manager, Roberto Martinez, tested several players in unfamiliar roles and left recent UCL champion Vitinha on the bench, an experiment firing no small complaint from supporters on social media. Nations League QF hero, Trincão, deposed Leão on the wing while Cristiano remained atop the formation.

But after an ineffective opening forty-five minutes and allowing Wirtz an easy opener, Portugal gutted out a remarkable comeback victory. Martinez, to his credit, introduced Vitinha and Conceição, Portugal took control, and defeated Germany for the first time in 25 years to qualify for the final on Sunday against the winner of Spain vs France.

PortuGOAL.net's Nathan Motz has last night's report card.

Starters

Diogo Costa – 8

Called into action just three minutes into the match, a preview for how the rest of his half would go. Outstanding reaction save to his left from Woltemade after the defense in front of him had switched off after Pavlovic was brought down. Denied Goretzka again after Sane teed him up in the 21’. Despite Wirtz’s goal, Costa’s first half saves effectively kept Germany within reach when they could have easily broken away.

Nuno Mendes – 8.5

Aside from an outstanding ball for Neto on 33’, not his usual marauding self in the first half as Kimmich gave him plenty to think about. But what a second half! A great cross for Ronaldo just after the break nearly opened the scoring. Began scything his way down the left and combined exceptionally with Bruno to break loose and square for Cristiano to put Portugal ahead for good. Portugal’s most involved player with 70 touches and three key passes.

Gonçalo Inácio – 7

Spent much of his evening dealing with crosses with a match-high 6 clearances. Got lost defensively and failed to track Wirtz’s run through the middle for Germany’s opener. But away from home against a tough opponent there was little else to find dissatisfying about his game.

Rúben Dias – 6.5

Commanded the defense well enough to shut Germany down in the second half. Good cover of Woltemade, who only had 12 touches in the first half. Gave Dortmund’s Adeyemi too much space to shoot and hit the post in the second half with Germany chasing the game. Portugal's backline remains unsettled with Pepe retired, and Dias needs to continue developing his positional awareness.

João Neves – 6

A bit unfair to Neves being fielded in a new position in a match like this. But he was lively in the first half, the only Portuguese player to complete a key pass. His defensive frailty showed on the wing and one must suspect Neves clings to hope he'll be in more familiar surroundings next to Vitinha for the final.

Rúben Neves – 5

On the ball plenty in the first half, but with little effect. No raking long balls, insufficient in possession. His athleticism has let him down throughout his career and it was not up to the task against Germany either. Got carded and rightfully hooked for Vitinha early in the second half, a pivotal substitution.

Bruno Fernandes – 7

What have I learned by watching Bruno? It takes a keen, patient eye to understand some players. A fairly dreadful first half aside from beneficial pressing which forced a few errors. He proved in the 12' however, that he is a player who springs to life in an instant with an excellent chip over the top for Neto to chase down. Cut inside his marker on 57' and shot just wide of the upright as Portugal bore down on the hosts. But his release of Nuno Mendes prior to the winning goal should not be understated. The intelligence and skill to see the opening and perfectly weight that exchange is why he starts for Portugal. Two key passes, three tackles, and a lot of hussle. He becomes Portugal's water-carrier at times, and this side needs it.

Bernardo Silva – 6.5

Very much like Bruno, ran far and wide tackling the opposition and forcing turnovers. Portugal's most efficient distributor with 35/36 complete passes on the night. In truth, this is the Bernardo we get when he's tucked into central midfield. He, too, becomes a workhorse rather than the attacking inspiration many supporters want. He did his part last night, but it saddens to think of all the years when Portugal desperately needed him in central midfield he was on the wing. Now Vitinha and arguably João Neves are phasing him out.

Pedro Neto – 6.5

Showed great skill and pace early on to turn his marker and burst free to square for Ronaldo. Quite effective pressing alongside Bruno and others, he broke free from the edge of his own penalty area then showed an all too common lack of composure, blasting the ball well over Ter Stegen's goal. A real nuisance in the first half but faded quickly in the second. Portugal needs more end product from its wingers. Will be interesting to see if Chico or even Leão come back into the fold for Sunday's final.

Trincão- 5.5

The blunt truth? After his super sub performance in the QFs, Trincão showed he is out of his depth at this level. And perhaps, though he's no longer fresh off the talent production line, it was inexperience. But no dribbles, no shots, few touches, and unremarkable on the ball. He can still serve this team as a late second half inspiration.

Cristiano Ronaldo - 7.5

Never a dull moment with Cristiano. Infrequently on the ball yet lively and probing the backline for openings. A scuffed effort after good work from Neto in the 7' showed promise. He very nearly opened the scoring minutes after the break, just missing Nuno Mendes' excellent cross. Went "Air 'Naldo" in the 59' but misplaced his header. Then came his moment and he took it. While one might argue any decent striker could have been on hand to tap in Mendes' cross, I have watched Cristiano for the better part of 20 years and I disagree. Ronaldo knows the pitch as few playes ever have. His football brain still gives him an edge. There were signs he was struggling with the pace of the match but he did everything required of him - 7 total shots, a key pass, 87% pass completion. He will start another final on Sunday.

Substitutes

Francisco Conceição – 9, PortuGOAL.net's Man of the Match

A super, super sub. Germany were not prepared to handle this livewire. Ran past his marker as if he were not there then cracked a left-footed thunderbolt into Ter Stegen's net, changing the match entirely. Three shots, a key pass, 92% passing, and devastating pace throughout. Only complaint might be he should have added at least one more goal if not two, his point blank effort frantically beaten away by Germany's overworked keeper. The question now: was it flash-in-the-pan or here-to-stay? The opportunity beckons for one who last night kindled such fond memories of Portugal football culture - wild mustangs running loose on the wing.

Vitinha – 8

A peculiar omission, but no matter. Vitinha set foot on the pitch and masterfully controlled the remainder of the match, Toni Kroos-style. Dynamic elegance, seemingly more time on the ball than any other player. Lured two defenders to the corner flag then slaughtered them both with a remarkable nutmeg getaway. PSG's maestro just keeps getting better. Not a single midfielder in world football like him.

Nélson Semedo – 6.5

Some good exchanges with Conceição, Bruno, and Vitinha. Took care of the ball and worked hard defensively but a reminder how Portugal needs to find its next RB. Not enough pace or trickery for a modern fullback.

Diogo Jota – 7

Jota arrived late and did everything right but score, far too often the complaint with him. Neat move inside his marker to shoot in the 89', but could only hit Ter Stegen with the goal gaping. Denied again with the last kick of the match, Jota needs a goal but encouraging to see him creating problems.