Germany host Portugal in the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League on Wednesday, with Munich’s Allianz Arena the venue.
This is Germany’s first appearance in the Nations League semi-finals, while Portugal will be looking to win the competition for the second time. Spain or France, who play on Thursday evening in Stuttgart, await in the final.
The Germans have the upper hand in this fixture, having won all of the last five encounters. You have to go back to Euro 2000 to find the last Portuguese win, a 3-0 victory. The last time the two countries met was in the group stages of the postponed Euro 2020. Germany won 4-2 at this very venue.
In fact, Germany have beaten Portugal in most of the major international competitions in the 21st century. They were victorious in the 2006 and 2014 World Cups as well as the European Championships in 2008, 2012 and 2020.
They will therefore go into this game full of confidence, despite being debutants at in the final four of the Nations League.
GERMANY VS PORTUGAL PREVIEW
Germany and Portugal both secured 14 points in their respective Nations League groups. The Germans topped Group 3, five points ahead of second-placed Netherlands, while Portugal finished six points ahead of runners-up Croatia.
Germany come into this game off the back of beating Italy 5-4 on aggregate in the quarter-finals. Halfway into the second leg, they were 5-1 up and cruising, but three Italian goals made it a nail-biting affair. Julian Nagelsmann’s men were saved by an Italian penalty appeal being dismissed by VAR.
Portugal, meanwhile, had an equally challenging experience when beating Denmark 5-3 on aggregate. The Portuguese were only four minutes away from being knocked out, being held 2-2 at home following a 1-0 defeat away. However, Francisco Trincao’s strike levelled things on aggregate. Two extra-time goals saw them progress.
Portugal won the Nations League six years ago and many of that squad are still around. Despite being outsiders in the 2025 competition, they will take confidence going into this game.
Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen returns for Germany after a nine-month injury layoff. Captain Joshua Kimmich will mark his 100th appearance for die Mannschaft.
Yann Bisseck is a doubt after limping out of Saturday’s Champions League final while Kai Havertz won’t feature. Antonio Rudiger, Nico Schlotterbeck and Jamal Musiala are all out too.
Portugal’s only absentee from the squad that faced Denmark is Geovany Quenda. He will be replaced by Rodrigo Mora. Aside from that, they are at full strength.
GERMANY VS PORTUGAL – PREDICTIONS
Germany Win
Germany have won their last five encounters against Portugal and have only lost one of their last 11 games at home.
Draw
The two sides both scraped through their respective quarter-finals, while the end of the domestic season could see tired legs in both teams.
Portugal Win
Cristiano Ronaldo has never been victorious against Germany and with him in their side, Portugal always have a creditable attacking threat. Germany’s extensive injury list is also a concern.
GERMANY VS PORTUGAL – BETTING TIPS
Germany Win
Home advantage should just about swing this one. Portugal were dismal in Denmark, while there are question marks over Roberto Martinez’s management. However, expect it to be close. Germany are ravaged by injuries while Portugal travel to Munich with an almost fully-fit squad.
Over 2.5 Goals
Germany and Portugal are the two highest scoring teams in the Nations League this time around. There were nine goals over two legs in Germany’s victory over Italy. Meanwhile, there were eight goals as Portugal beat Denmark. While their defences have also been tight, I’m expecting expansive football to win the day.
HEAD-TO-HEAD AND KEY STATS
- Germany and Portugal have played each other 19 times, with Germany winning 11. Portugal have won three times, while there have been five draws.
- Germany have won all of the last five fixtures between the two countries and have not lost to the Portuguese in 25 years.
- Germany have lost only one of their last 11 home matches in all competitions.
- Germany (23) and Portugal (18) are the highest scoring teams in the Nations League this time around.
