Euro 2020: Loew facing attacking conundrum against Portugal

Germany head coach will face a major attacking conundrum ahead of their match against Portugal after they weren’t able to muster any real attacking threat against France. Germany deploy an unorthodox 3-4-3 formation and while their back 3’s place in the side looks nailed on, he might make a few changes in the attack.

Germany were considered as underdogs before the tournament because they have lost notable matches against North Macedonia and Spain in the last 12 months, because they had a shocking group stage exit at the last World Cup and because they have been placed in the Group of Death alongside tournament favourites France and reigning champions Portugal.

France were expected to win comfortably against Germany but that wasn’t the case. France’s only goal came through an unfortunate own goal scored by veteran defender Mats Hummels in the first half. Despite France scoring 2 offside goals and hitting the upright on one occasion, German fans will be pleased by their side’s performance overall as they didn’t suffer an embarrassing loss.

The best players for Die Mannschaft were Mats Hummels, Joshua Kimmich, Toni Kroos and Robin Gosens. Robin Gosens, who is the reason why Loew prefers a 3-4-3 formation put in a few dangerous balls into the box but no one could add the finishing touch. Mats Hummels may have been at fault for the own goal but post that blunder he was pretty solid and didn’t get flattered by Kylian Mbappe’s pace. He also made a last-ditch slide tackle which has earned him plaudits.

Germany’s main issue in that match was their front 3 of Kai Havertz, Thomas Muller and Serge Gnabry. Serge Gnabry was given the role of playing through the middle and he missed a guild edged opportunity which you would expect a number 9 to score.

Joachim Loew has the likes of Timo Werner and Leroy Sane at his disposal but one can never be sure of which trio will be the most effective, certainly Loew doesn’t. Germany face Portugal in their second match in what is a do or die encounter for the Germans.