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Germany outclass Portugal

MUNICH — Germany got o the mark in style at Euro 2020 as they tore Portugal apart with an impressive attacking performance in Munich to throw Group F wide open.

Germany’s win means both these sides now sit on three points, one behind group leaders France, heading into a pivotal nal round of xtures on Wednesday.

Atalanta wing-back Robin Gosens was the architect with a goal and an assist, earning an ovation from the Allianz Arena crowd as he was replaced just after the hour mark.

Cristiano Ronaldo had put the visitors ahead, continuing his recordbreaking campaign with his third goal of the tournament and 12th European Championship strike of all time.

Germany boss Joachim Low told his side to be “more vigorous” in attack after their opening 1-0 defeat by France and saw that call answered as his side clicked into gear on home soil.

First Portugal centre-back Dias turned Gosens’ zzed cross into his own net and moments later Guerreiro did the same as opposite wingback Joshua Kimmich cut the ball back into a dangerous area.

There have been question marks over the deployment of Kimmich in that role, rather than in central mid eld, but Low stuck with team beaten by France and it was from wide that the Bayern Munich man and Gosens on the opposite ank caused problems.

Gosens set up Havertz for the third in another swift attack and then got on the end of a Kimmich cross to cap a superb performance.

This tournament will be the last of Low's 15-year reign in charge, with Germany keeping faith in the 61-year-old after his side failed to reach the knockout stage at the World Cup in 2018.

Diogo Jota poked in from Ronaldo’s cutback but the defending champions were unable to mount a comeback.

Germany host Hungary while Portugal face France next week.

SPORT

en-zw

2021-06-20T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-06-20T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://digital.alphamedia.co.zw/article/282020445252486

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