Introduction to the Match
The evening started with a weather warning: a big storm approached, delayed the beginning of the game and maybe delayed the gates. This should be Joshua Kimmich’s night. The Germany captain not only performed with the national team, he also supported the first goal of the game, which was played in his home stadium, Bavaria Munich Allianz Arena.
The Game
However, the opponents of Portugal had other plans and constant the show with a 2-1 victory to achieve the final of the Nations League and set Germany’s hope of reviving. After a cage first half, Kimmich, who provided a Lobb passport for Florian Wirtz to score the first goal in Germany in the 48th minute.
Post-Game Analysis
"We have to understand that it is difficult against an opponent if we are not 100%," said Kimmich after the game and referred to Germany, who missed important players like Jamal Musiala and Antonio Rüdigiger based on injuries. "Even after we had gone 1-0, it didn’t seem as if we wanted to reach the final," said Kimmich. "We have to be honest with ourselves, we weren’t active enough on the ball and without him. We didn’t bring the energy to the pitch and so we deserve to lose it."
Kimmich’s Career
Despite the defeat, Kimmich believes that the team is "more consolidated than a year and a half" and that he is more than familiar with the current situation. Kimmich started his international career in 2016, just two years after the triumph of the Germany’s World Cup in Brazil. While in 2017 he has lifted the now dissolved Confederations Cup with the national team, Germany has experienced several disappointing tournaments since then.
Milestones
The 30-year-old is the 14th player who achieved 100 caps with the German men’s national team. But he is the only German player with over 100 appearances who did not win a World Cup. "I experienced many ups and downs from the German national team," he said at the beginning of the week. "Of course you always have the goal of winning a title. We go to every tournament, especially as Germany, to fight for the title."
Duel Captain
While this was the 100th game of the captain that was wearing the Germany shirt, Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s captain, presented the German milestone by playing his 220th game for his nation. "Congratulations to Kimmich. He played 100 games, it’s a landmark, it’s amazing," said Portugal coach Roberto Martinez after the game. "But when you talk about a player like Cristiano Ronaldo, he has it over twice. It is difficult to put into words," said Martinez.
Ronaldo’s Performance
In fact, it was the 40-year-old who put an end to his own drought. Ronaldo had lost all five earlier meetings against Germany, but it was the Portuguese captain, who scored the winning goal in the 68th minute, only five minutes after Francisco Conceicao had tied up the match with a breathtaking loot shot from afar. Ronaldo is used to standing in the spotlight. As soon as his name has been announced, the stadium exploded into jubilation and ridicule. Of course, the cheers came from the away fans and ridicule from the home fans. But in the middle of the spears, Ronaldo seems to thrive the most.
Conclusion
Ronaldo used to miss a few chances in the game and expanded Boos and whistles from the home. This turned as soon as he scored a goal and turned the game. His goal against Germany was his 137th for Portugal, a record in men’s international football. "It is human, if you win, you are less hungry the next day. But that is not the case with Cristiano," said Martinez. The special night that should honor the German captain turned into another night of praise for Cristiano Ronaldo.
