Germany desperate for more cutting edge against Portugal

Loew’s efforts to strengthen Germany’s defence meant only a Mats Hummels

Germany coach Joachim Loew is under pressure to find a way for his side to create more chances when they host holders Portugal at Euro 2020 on Saturday, with their hopes of reaching the knock-out stage hanging in the balance.

A tense 1-0 defeat by France in their opening Group F game leaves the Germans needing a result at the Allianz Arena against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.

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Loew’s efforts to strengthen Germany’s defence meant only a Mats Hummels own goal was the difference against world champions France.

However, the hosts managed just one shot on target on Tuesday.

“If we can be more vigorous up front, we will be able to beat Portugal,” said Loew.

Germany have won their last four meetings with Portugal over the last two decades, most recently with a 4-0 victory in the 2014 World Cup group stage as the Germans went on to win the title in Brazil.

However, much has changed in the last seven years.

Germany have steadily fallen from being the world’s No 1 side to 12th in the FIFA’s rankings.

Portugal have risen to fifth and are appear have a much stronger squad than when they were crowned European champions in 2016.

Portugal sit top of the early Group F table after Ronaldo scored twice in their 3-0 win over Hungary.

The Juventus superstar has now scored a record 11 goals at five consecutive Euro finals.

But he has never scored against Die Mannschaft.