It is likely to be a mixed legacy that Joachim Löw leaves behind after Euro 2020, but just how soured his reign has become in the years that followed a World Cup triumph could be decided this weekend. Like many of the great leaders, his is a reign which has gone on too long, and he has ultimately endured long enough to witness his own demise.
So it was unfortunate that Mats Hummels – once ditched by Löw as part of a rebuild that didn’t work, and recalled this summer – was the architect of Germany’s downfall against France.
Equally regrettable was the fact the centre-back had not yet explained to his three-year-old son the concept of own goals. “He thinks the ball in the net is always right,” Hummels told Bild. “I was told that he was celebrating. I’ll probably have to teach him that.”
There will be no room for dry anecdotes if Germany lose a second game in succession, as they take on Portugal on Saturday.
Perhaps it is not a ringing endorsement of how Cristiano Ronaldo and co actually played against Hungary that despite winning 3-0, the forward’s crusade against his own former sponsors, Coca-Cola, has made the most headlines since.
That, and the fact the 36-year-old became the first player to feature at five European Championships. After his late brace, he is another step closer towards another record too, as he edges just three goals behind Ali Daei’s all-time international record of 109.
The performance may not have been overly convincing, but the result means Portugal can effectively qualify with a win in Munich. So too can France as they travel to Budapest to face Hungary. Against Germany, we saw glimpses of greatness from Kylian Mbappe though he was not yet at full throttle. Paul Pogba‘s pinging passes uttered another reminder of Les Bleus’ prowess, the group’s probable wooden-spooners Hungary having a more-than-difficult task ahead of them if they are to halt the world champions’ progress.
Poland’s trip to Spain makes up the final game of the day as Luis Enrique weighs up how to get La Roja‘s attack firing after being frustrated by a resolute Sweden. Poland suffered the first real shock of the tournament against Slovakia in their opening game with Robert Lewandowski nullified.
How to watch Hungary vs France
- Date: Saturday 19 June.
- Kick-off time: 2pm [BST].
- Venue: Ferenc Puskas Stadium (Hungary).
- TV channel: BBC One.
- Live stream: Watch the game online via BBC iPlayer or via the iPlayer app.
- Highlights: Shown on BBC One and BBC iPlayer throughout the tournament.
How to watch Portugal vs Germany
- Date: Saturday 19 June.
- Kick-off time: 5pm [BST].
- Venue: Allianz Arena (Germany).
- TV channel: ITV.
- Live stream: Watch the game online via ITV Hub.
- Highlights: Shown on ITV Hub each matchday.
How to watch Spain vs Poland
- Date: Saturday 19 June.
- Kick-off time: 8pm [BST].
- Venue: Estadio La Cartuja (Spain).
- TV channel: BBC One
- Live stream: Watch the game online via BBC iPlayer or via the iPlayer app.
- Highlights: Shown on BBC One and BBC iPlayer throughout the tournament.
Team news
If things weren’t difficult enough for Hungary in the early kick-off, they lost midfielder Daniel Gazdag this week and he will play no further part at Euro 2020.
Benjamin Pavard is clear to play for France despite controversy surrounding the handling of his head injury against Germany.
Ahead of the 5pm kick-off, Portugal are monitoring Nuno Mendes, who trained alone due to a thigh injury. Germany have no fresh concerns as Matthias Ginter should be fit to start after his substitution against France.
Poland will be forced into one change, Grzegorz Krychowiak suspended following his sending off against Slovakia. He could be replaced by Jakub Moder. Luis Enrique is still without Sergio Busquets as he recovers from Covid-19 but any other changes he makes will be of his own volition, with Gerard Moreno pushing to replace Alvaro Morata.
More from i on Euro 2020
- The football nomad who became a hero for his role in saving Eriksen’s life
- How Ronaldo’s Coca-Cola stunt could change the face of football sponsorship
- In praise of Emma Hayes, the best pundit at Euro 2020 so far
- Eriksen collapse has thrown a spotlight on football’s relentless thirst for more
- How to watch every Euro 2020 match on TV and online in the UK
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3iTgWsc
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