Following an unconvincing performance from the World Champions France which saw them drew 1-1 with Hungary, the "Group of Death" Group F got more complicated as Germany thrashed defending champions Portugal 4-2 at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
Coming into the game the host knew that anything other than a victory would likely see them face a second successive Group Stage exit in a major international competition. A 1-0 loss to France through an own goal from Mats Hummels had dumpen their Spirits. Whereas Portugal left it very late, but somehow found the way to score 3 goals in the final few minutes to cap off a fantastic win.
Germany started off really strong and had the ball in the back of the net inside 5 minutes as Robin Gosens bundled the ball in. However the VAR disallowed that goal as Serge Gnabry was found to be in an offside position during the build up.
The visitors then shock the host as they opened them up on a counter attack. Cristiano Ronaldo first rose high to clear a Germany corner as Portugal set off on a rapid counter attack. Bernardo Silva raced down the right channel before chipping a ball to Diego Jota who unselfishly squared it up to Ronaldo to tap it from close range in the 15th minute.
Germany kept on creating problems at the back for Portugal. Their reward was in form of two own goals from Portugal in quick succession. While trying to intervene a volley across the six yards, Portugal defender Ruben Dias inadvertently turned it into his own net.
The second own goal came in the 39th minute, 4 minutes after the first one. A high ball from Thomas Muller found Joshua Kimmich at the back and as the right back tried to lay it out to Gnabry, Raphaël Guerreiro unfortunately found himself turning the ball in.
The Germans picked off the second half were they left the first half. Two simple passing movements left Portugal Completed exposed at the back as Kai Havertz and Robin Gosens finally found themselves on the scoresheet in the 51st and 60th minute to make it 4-1 for the hosts.
Portugal however gave everyone a vestige of hope (no pun intended) after a free kick from the visitors, caught the host sleeping at the back as Ronaldo somehow chipped it over Manuel Neuer which was then smashed in by Diego Jota to make it 4-2 in the 67th minute.
There was no grand stand finish though as the latest Portugal came to find a third goal came in the 78th minute as substitute Renato Sanchez saw his effort rattle the post.
This result leaves France at the top of the table with 4 points with Germany on second and Portugal on third with 3 points each and Hungary on 4th with 1 point.
Next up in the "Group of Death" Hungary would be hoping for another miraculous performance while France and Portugal face off in the 2016 Euro Final rematch.
Other Results on Saturday-
Hungary 1-1 France
Spain 1-1 Poland
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