The UEFA Nations League has reached its thrilling semifinal stage, and one of the most anticipated clashes features Portugal taking on Germany at the Allianz Arena on Sunday, June 8, 2025. Both teams have fought hard to reach this stage, and with a spot in the final on the line, this encounter promises high drama, tactical battles, and world-class talent on display.
Germany, rejuvenated under Julian Nagelsmann, are unbeaten in their last eight matches since their Euro 2024 exit against Spain. Meanwhile, Portugal, despite a 5-2 win over Denmark in the quarterfinals, have shown defensive vulnerabilities, conceding in four of their last five matches.
In this in-depth preview, we analyze:
- Team Form and Recent Performances
- Head-to-Head Record
- Key Players to Watch
- Tactical Breakdown & Predicted Lineups
- Match Prediction & Betting Odds
- How to Watch Live
1. Team Form and Recent Performances
Germany
Under Julian Nagelsmann, Germany has undergone a tactical revival, blending experienced stars with young talents. Their unbeaten run includes victories over France, Netherlands, and Italy, proving they are serious contenders.
Recent Form (Last 5 Matches):
- ✅ 3-1 vs. France (Friendly)
- ✅ 2-0 vs. Netherlands (UEFA Nations League)
- ✅ 4-2 vs. Portugal (Friendly, March 2025)
- ✅ 1-0 vs. Italy (UEFA Nations League)
- ⚪ 2-2 vs. Spain (Friendly)
Strengths:
- Midfield dominance (Kimmich, Wirtz, Gündoğan)
- High-pressing attacking style
- Solid defensive structure (Tah, Rüdiger)
Weaknesses:
- Lack of a clinical No. 9
- Vulnerability to counterattacks
Portugal
Portugal, led by Roberto Martínez, has been inconsistent defensively but remains dangerous in attack. Their 5-2 win over Denmark showcased their firepower, but they have struggled to keep clean sheets.
Recent Form (Last 5 Matches):
- ✅ 5-2 vs. Denmark (UEFA Nations League QF)
- ❌ 1-2 vs. Croatia (Friendly)
- ✅ 3-1 vs. Sweden (UEFA Nations League)
- ⚪ 2-2 vs. Spain (Friendly)
- ✅ 4-0 vs. Switzerland (UEFA Nations League)
Strengths:
- World-class attacking talent (Ronaldo, Fernandes, Leão)
- Creative midfield (Bernardo Silva, Vitinha)
- Set-piece threat
Weaknesses:
- Defensive lapses
- Over-reliance on Ronaldo for goals
2. Head-to-Head Record
Historically, Germany has had the upper hand, but recent encounters have been tightly contested.
| Stat | Portugal Wins | Germany Wins | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-Time Matches | 5 | 11 | 5 |
| Last 5 Meetings | 2 | 2 | 1 |
Key Recent Meetings:
- 2024 (Friendly): Germany 4-2 Portugal
- 2021 (Euro 2020): Germany 4-2 Portugal
- 2014 (World Cup): Germany 4-0 Portugal
Germany’s attacking prowess has troubled Portugal in the past, but with new tactical setups, this could be a different story.
3. Key Players to Watch
Germany
- Florian Wirtz (AM) – The Bayer Leverkusen maestro is Germany’s creative heartbeat. His vision and ability to break lines will be crucial.
- Joshua Kimmich (CM/RB) – A leader in midfield, Kimmich’s passing range and defensive work rate will dictate Germany’s tempo.
- Kai Havertz (ST/AM) – Likely to play as a false nine, his movement could exploit Portugal’s defensive gaps.
Portugal
- Cristiano Ronaldo (ST) – Despite age debates, he remains Portugal’s talisman (4 goals in last 5 games).
- Bruno Fernandes (AM) – The Manchester United star is Portugal’s chief playmaker and set-piece threat.
- Rafael Leão (LW) – His blistering pace and dribbling can trouble Germany’s full-backs.
4. Tactical Breakdown & Predicted Lineups
Germany’s Expected Setup (3-4-2-1):
- GK: Marc-André ter Stegen
- DEF: Antonio Rüdiger, Jonathan Tah, Robin Gosens
- MID: Joshua Kimmich, İlkay Gündoğan
- WING: Leroy Sané, David Raum
- ATT: Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala
- ST: Kai Havertz
Key Tactics:
- High press to force Portugal into mistakes
- Wing-backs overlapping to stretch Portugal’s defense
- Wirtz & Musiala as dual playmakers
Portugal’s Expected Setup (4-3-3):
- GK: Diogo Costa
- DEF: João Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio, Nuno Mendes
- MID: Bruno Fernandes, João Palhinha, Vitinha
- ATT: Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Leão
Key Tactics:
- Quick transitions to exploit Germany’s high line
- Bruno Fernandes drifting wide to create overloads
- Leão & Silva cutting inside to support Ronaldo
6. How to Watch Live
- Date: Sunday, June 8, 2025
- Time: 3:00 PM ET
- Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich
- TV: FS1 (USA), Viaplay (Europe)
- Streaming: Fubo (Free Trial), Paramount+
Final Thoughts
This UEFA Nations League semifinal promises end-to-end action, with both teams boasting world-class attackers. While Germany’s tactical flexibility under Nagelsmann gives them a slight edge, Portugal’s individual brilliance means they can never be counted out.
