Nations League: Germany clash with Portugal - a rain battle threatens
The German national team is competing in the Nations League semifinals. The DFB stars aim to defeat Portugal in Munich and advance to the final. Follow the match live.
However, the semifinal kickoff at 9:00 p.m. (TV on ZDF/DAZN) has been confirmed for the time being. Spectators at the Allianz Arena are advised to bring rain ponchos or jackets.
Severe thunderstorms with hail, gusty winds, and heavy rain are expected in Bavaria. According to the German Weather Service (DWD), these are expected to begin this afternoon, with the peak expected between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Isolated hailstones could reach a diameter of five centimeters, it was reported. However, a DWD expert predicted that the severe storms may pass north of Munich.
3:25 p.m.: The memory of his only title win with the national football team so far makes Leon Goretzka want more. "For me, it was the only trophy I've won with Germany so far. It's something I look back on fondly. It's probably about time for another one," said the Bayern Munich player before the Nations League semifinal against Portugal (9:00 p.m./ZDF/DAZN) in Munich.
In 2017, Goretzka won the Confederations Cup with a promising team under national coach Joachim Löw. Eight years later, the midfielder is part of the exclusive DFB quartet that was already present in Russia, alongside goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, captain Joshua Kimmich, and assistant coach Sandro Wagner.
3.12 p.m.: Before the start of the Nations League final tournament, national coach Julian Nagelsmann has sent a clear message to the national football players who are on the verge of retiring, with a view to the World Cup season.
The squad for the season's final match against Portugal in Munich this evening (9 p.m.) also includes players like Leverkusen's Robert Andrich, who was specifically mentioned by Nagelsmann. Andrich had barely played in the Bundesliga recently.
"We decided on the coaching staff, even with the players who haven't played as much, that we want to round out the Nations League a bit," explained the national coach. And that includes players "who have simply been there for a long time and have contributed to us now reaching the Final Four." The 30-year-old Bayer pro Andrich, who also participated in the 2024 European Championship at home, is a prime example.
"We didn't want to drop anyone who hadn't played much at the club and therefore didn't necessarily need to be there," Nagelsmann said. He explained this to Andrich. "He still has a huge influence on the team, both off the pitch and on it when he plays."
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