We go again. There’s a feeling of optimism in the Germany camp ahead of tonight’s U19 European Championship clash with Portugal in Großaspach (kick-off 19:30 CEST). Despite the knowledge that their unfortunate 1-0 defeat to Italy in the opening game of the tournament leaves them trailing in Group A, Germany are well aware that their fate is very much still in their hands after the 1-1 draw between Portugal and Austria. "It already feels a little bit like a final," said U19s head coach Guido Streichsbier. "Both teams are out to improve their situation, and neither side can afford any more slip-ups."
The biggest challenge for his young side is to find that balance between excitement and calmness, says Streichsbier. His team talks have to have the right mix of praise and forewarning, because despite a good performance against Italy, Germany still sit bottom of the group with no points. "The praise was heaped on us from all angles for our performance, but we didn’t do everything right – otherwise we would have won," said the head coach. "Now we have to step up our game and be more decisive in implementing our game plan."
Central defender Lukas Boeder echoed the words of his boss in an interview with DFB.de: "Don’t allow them to counter and be more effective up front!" However, that’s easier said than done – in Portugal, a completely different opponent awaits the German side. Expect them to commit more men forward and not to defend as deep as Italy, for one thing. Without the ball they fall into a tight 4-1-4-1 formation, and then spring into an offensive 4-3-3 when they win possession – much like Portugal’s senior side, who have just been crowned European Champions.
Streichsbier: "More dangerous than Italy"
A key cog in Portugal’s winning side was Renato Sanches, who will line up next season for FC Bayern München and who was part of the Portugal U19 team that secured qualification to this summer’s European Championship eight months ago. Head coach Emílio Peixe must of course do without the midfield star for the tournament in Germany – but Portugal have more than enough talent in their ranks to compensate.
Pedro Silva of Sporting Lisbon is one of the brightest goalkeeping talents in Europe, while Goncalo Rodrigues of local rivals Benfica has shone in midfield, scoring three goals and picking up one assist as he played in all six of Portugal’s qualifying matches. Even more dangerous was his club mate Buta – the Benfica striker bagged four goals and four assists on the way to qualification for the U19 European Championship, while Pedro Empis got on the scoresheet with a goal against Austria on Monday.
Portugal’s attacks tend to start from their talented wide players, while their midfield is very versatile. "Going forward, they’re more dangerous than Italy," warned Streichsbier. "But that means they’ll leave more room at the back for us to exploit." The 46-year-old was coy about which players would make the starting XI – but at least he doesn’t have any injuries to worry about. "Our players are all fit," said the head coach, highlighting his squad’s professional attitude as the secret to their fitness. "The work we did in Schladming is coming good now. The boys also worked painstakingly before and after the training camp, and they’ll be able to put in a good shift for 90 minutes on Thursday evening."