Julian Nagelsmann has made several key lineup decisions as Germany prepares to face Portugal in the UEFA Nations League semifinal at Allianz Arena. The German coach selected Marc-Andre ter Stegen between the posts while crafting a distinctive defensive setup with Anton, Tah, and Koch forming a back three.
"We've chosen a tactical approach that best suits our strengths against Portugal's attacking threats," Nagelsmann explained before the match.
In midfield, Joshua Kimmich will patrol the right flank while Pavlovic anchors the central area alongside Goretzka. Mittelstedt completes the midfield quartet on the left side. Up front, Sane and Wirtz will support young striker Woltemade, who gets a surprising start.
For Portugal, Roberto Martinez has made some interesting selections of his own. Joao Neves has been deployed at right-back, while Ruben Neves takes up the defensive midfield role. Cristiano Ronaldo, naturally, leads the attack with support from Fernandes, while Trincan and Neto will provide width from the flanks.
According to Statbet analysis, this tactical matchup between Nagelsmann's three-at-the-back system and Martinez's experienced attacking lineup presents a fascinating chess match.
Germany will have options from the bench including Füllkrug and Gnabry, while Portugal's lineup shows Martinez's confidence in his starting eleven. Will Ronaldo's experience or Germany's tactical adjustments prove decisive? The winner advances to the Nations League final.
