Germany v Portugal [Euro 2012 Group B]

[DEAD_MAN_WALKING]

V


Venue - Arena Lviv, Lviv

Live Streams - http://www.wiziwig.tv/broadcast.php?...55&part=sports

Germany is expected to have a fully-fit squad for Saturday's encounter with Portugal in Lviv.

Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger did not feature in any of the pre-tournament friendlies due to a calf problem but has been declared fit, and will take his place in central midfield.

Captain Philipp Lahm will start at left back, with his Bayern teammate Jerome Boateng likely to get the nod over Lars Bender on the opposite flank, with the chosen player tasked with shackling Cristiano Ronaldo.

Portugal coach Paulo Bento should recall new Valencia signing Joao Pereira to the starting XI in place of Miguel Lopes at right back. Helder Postiga is vying for a starting berth in attack.

Winger Nani picked up a foot injury in the 3-1 friendly defeat against Turkey last Saturday but is expected to be fit, and will take his place on the right of a front three.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• The teams are meeting for the 17th time. Germany has won eight of 16, Portugal just three.
• Germany have the slight edge in eight competitive encounters, winning three to Portugal's two.
• Their last encounter came in the Euro 2008 quarter-finals, when Germany won 3-2.

Germany

• Germany have won 11 competitive matches in a row.
• But they have only won twice in their five friendly matches since Euro 2012 qualifying finished (losing against both France and Switzerland this year).
• Miroslav Klose turns 34 on the day of the Portugal game. He has scored 63 goals in 116 appearances for Germany, and is just five shy of Gerd Muller's national record.
• They are unbeaten in all 10 previous opening matches at Euro final tournaments (5 wins, 5 draws).
• Germany won all 10 of their Euro 2012 qualifying matches, outscoring their opponents 34-7.

Portugal

• Portugal have only won one of their past six matches.
• And they have suffered goalless draws in three of their past five matches.
• At 27, Cristiano Ronaldo will be playing in his fifth major championship (Euros and World Cup).
• Miguel Lopes and Custódio are yet to make a competitive appearance for Portugal - but won their first caps in the friendly against Turkey on 2 June, a 3-0 defeat.

[Tony07]

Going for a Germany win, should be a good game I hope Mertesacker and Podolski have good games Oh and stay out of trouble

[scouseman]

I am really thinking that Germany will not get out the group (still shocked by losing to Chelsea in the CL final). I thank that Holland and portugal will get out the group of death. Going for a 1-0 Portugal win.

[Bunkertor]

I pick a 2-2 result

[Ben2710]

Should be a great match! gutted i am going to miss it though. Lets hope they don't cancel each other out and make it a boring game though.

[TscHeChan]

my prediction:
3:1 for germany and ronaldo will dive like a pro

[GWolf1]

Germany v Portugal 2-1, i think the German's will too strong.

[marknow]

I hope Portugal score early and go on to win, but I expect Germany to be too strong, genuine contenders.

[GWolf1]

Germany: Neuer, Boateng, Hummels, Badstuber, Lahm, Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Muller, Ozil, Podolski, Gomez. Subs: Wiese, Gundogan, Schmelzer, Howedes, Schurrle, Klose, Bender, Mertesacker, Kroos, Gotze, Reus, Zieler.

Portugal: Rui Patricio, Joao Pereira, Bruno Alves, Pepe, Fabio Coentrao, Meireles, Veloso, Joao Moutinho, Nani, Postiga, Ronaldo. Subs: Eduardo, Custodio, Almeida, Quaresma, Nelson Oliveira, Ricardo Costa, Rolando, Ruben Micael, Varela, Miguel Lopes, Hugo Viana, Beto.

Referee: Stephane Lannoy (France)

[idreemer]

Good attacking start from both teams.

[GWolf1]

Probably the best chance of the first half there, but Podolski fires over the bar for Germany.

[GWolf1]

I shouldn't laugh at Nani, but what the hell, caught by Badstuber, huddles challenge, then goes down later as he can't catch the ball

[idreemer]

Ball definately did not cross the line.
Good effort from Pepe though.

[DEAD_MAN_WALKING]

Chances of having the match abandoned if the German supporters dont stop throwing things on the pitch...

[GWolf1]

First moment for officials behind goal , but good decision, Pepe's effort off the upright on bounces on the line.

[fromrome]

bad behaviour from german fans, average first half, lucky germans at the end

[idreemer]

I dont think the fans would be too bothered if the match was abandoned.

[Bunkertor]

No juice

[Bunkertor]

Nonsense lineup. Jogi gotta bring Klose or Schürrle or Reus for Gomez.

[marknow]

Where is this gifted German team we were all warned about?