Semifinals Of Nations League, Germany Vs Portugal: Ronaldo Pursues History, But Kimmich Is Ready To Break His Dream!

Joshua Kimmich and Cristiano Ronaldo (right) two senior players who will influence the course of the German vs Portugal match (photo: x @MunichFanpage)

JAKARTA The hot match will be presented at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night, June 5, 2025, or Thursday morning WIB, when the hosts of Germany host Portugal in the UEFA Nations League semifinal match. This match is a stage for two major European powers who have a long history in major tournaments. This is the first time they will meet in the Nations League event.

Germany came into this match with high confidence. For the first time they qualified for the semifinals of this tournament, and the status as hosts further added to their motivation. The performance of Julian Nagelsmann's team in the Nations League this season deserves thumbs up. They advanced without much obstacles in the group stage, collecting 14 points from six matches against the Netherlands, Hungary, and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Germany's journey to the semifinals increasingly shows their potential as strong candidates for champions. In the quarter-finals against Italy, Germany appeared dominant and had a 5-1 aggregate lead in the first half of the second leg. But the negligence in the second half made Italy score three return goals. Luckily, the visitors' penalty was canceled by VAR, and Germany continued to advance.

Now, the German public, who had been pessimistic ahead of Euro 2024, is starting to show optimism that their national team will be able to compete at the highest level ahead of the 2026 World Cup. What's more, Germany's record of meeting against Portugal is also very much in favor of Der Panzer. Since the defeat in the group phase of Euro 2000, Germany has always won in the last five meetings, including in the 2006 and 2014 World Cups, as well as at Euro 2008, 2012, and 2020.

But Portugal certainly didn't come to give up. Despite appearing less convincing at Euro 2024 including an embarrassing defeat to Georgia and a tough win over Slovenia on penalties Roberto Martinez's side showed a positive reaction in the Nations League. They managed to win the group without defeat, facing tough teams like Croatia, Scotland, and Poland.

In the quarter-finals, Portugal had to work extra hard against Denmark. After losing 1-0 in the first leg, they trailed by aggregate time until the 86th minute in the second leg. But Francisco Trincao became a hero through two important goals, one in normal time, and the other early in extra time, which brought Selemendah das Quinas to the semifinals.

Portugal does hold the underdog status in this semifinal, but they still have strong capital. Many of the players who brought Portugal to the first edition of the Nations League champions in 2019 are still in the squad today. With a combination of talented young players and experienced stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva, they are still a serious threat.

In terms of the composition of the players, Germany was slightly crippled due to the absence of a number of important names. Antonio R\"udiger, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jamal Musiala, and Kai Havertz were confirmed absent due to injury. Most recently, Yann Bisseck was also doubtful after suffering an injury in the Champions League final. But the return of Marc-Andre ter Stegen after nine months of absence is good news, and he is expected to be a starter.

Meanwhile, Joshua Kimmich will make his 100th appearance with the German national team and become a game bike after performing outstanding against Italy, scoring one goal and four assists in two legs.

In the Portugal camp, Cristiano Ronaldo will score his 2nd appearance with the national team. Despite having never won against Germany in his career, the Portugal captain remains a dangerous figure on the front lines. Bernardo Silva, who reached 100 caps against Denmark, is likely to lead the midfield alongside two PSG stars, Jo Total Neves and Vitinha. Rodrigo Mora was called up to replace the injured Geovany Quenda.

This match is predicted to be fierce. Germany has the advantage of hosting and a historical record that is dominant over Portugal. But the visitors have a high mentality of champions and determinations to challenge Germany's dominance at home.

This match will determine who is better prepared for the final and has a great chance of adding to the collection of international trophies. If you look at trends and momentum, Germany is slightly more favored. But Portugal clearly didn't come to be a complement.

Germany (4-2-3-1): Ter Stegen; Kimmich, Tah, Anton, Mittelst Badminton; Gro airing, Goretzka; Gnabry, Wirtz, Sané; Undav

Portugal (4-4-2): Diogo Costa; Dalot, R bigben Dias, Antonio Silva, Nuno Mendes; Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, Jo banyak Neves, Bruno Fernandes; Jota, Cristiano Ronaldo