If you thought Germany looked sluggish in a 2-1 defeat to Portugal in the UEFA Nations League semifinals on Wednesday, you were not alone.
“That was one of our worst games. It was an absolutely deserved defeat,” Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich lamented after the match, in comments captured by @iMiaSanMia. “We weren’t good enough with and without the ball. After going 1-0 up, we showed nothing at all. We have to learn from that. If we don’t bring energy, we can’t compete against top European teams.”
It certainly looked like a major step backwards for Kimmich and Germany. The Bayern midfielder, who plays right-back for the national team under Julian Nagelsmann, contributed an assist in what was his 100th cap for Die Mannschaft. But the Portuguese seized the initiative after that, rinsing the German defense inside and out multiple times. That they scored two goals — and could have had more — can hardly be a surprise.
Germany will have a chance to lick their wounds in time for Sunday’s third place match, which will also take place in Stuttgart.
Looking for more thoughts and discussion on Germany’s disappointing 2-1 loss to Portugal at the Allianz Arena? Great, then we have you covered with the Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show. You can get the podcast on Patreon, Spotify, Acast, or below:
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