Germany got their Euro 2020 campaign back on track after defeating champions Portugal 4-2 in an enthralling Group F encounter.
The Germans needed all three points after losing their opening game to France while Portugal came into the tie on the back of a 3-0 win against Hungary.
Germany have now defeated Portugal in their last five meetings
Also, Portugal are the first reigning champions in European Championship history to concede four goals in a single match in the competition.
In a pulsating, action-packed encounter played out amidst searing heat in Munich, it was Portugal who took the lead through Christian Ronaldo’s 15th minute strike off a counter attack.
Germany drew level on 34 minutes off a Ruben Dias own goal as he slotted Robin Gosens’ volleyed cross into his own net.
Another own goal followed on 38 minutes as Portugal full back Raphael Guerriero could only inadvertently send the ball into his net off his shins following Joshua Kimmich’s cutback.
Both own goals conceded by Portugal means they are the first European nation ever to do so in a single match at a major tournament (World Cup or Euros).
Six minutes after the restart Germany further extended their lead when Kai Havertz converted from another fine Gosens cross.
The game as a contest was then effectively signed and sealed on the hour when Gosens capped a fine individual display by heading home from Kimmich’s inviting cross.
Portugal though did summon up another goal of their own, Jota firing in from close range after Ronaldo had hooked the ball back into the box.
With France having been held to a 1-1 draw by Hungary in the day’s earlier fixture, it means Group F is still wide open ahead of next week’s final fixtures with the French on four points, Germany and Portugal both on three and Hungary on one.
Germany play Hungary while France tackle Portugal in next Wednesday’s final decisive games.
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