Euro 2020: Robin Gosens inspires Germany to dominant win

Saturday 19/June/2021 22:40 PM
By: DW
Euro 2020: Robin Gosens inspires Germany to dominant win
Image courtesy: DW

Muscat: Germany recovered from their defeat to France with a thrilling 4–2 comeback win against Portugal. The victory was a testament to the group but also one inspired by left wingback Robin Gosens.

Portugal 2 – 4 Germany, Allianz Arena

(Ronaldo 15', Jota 67' – Dias og 35', Guerreiro og 38', Havertz 51', Gosens 60')

Joachim Löw asked for more bravery and intent, and he got it.

Kai Havertz showed he can score the goals, Thomas Müller was so energetic he was tackling in the opposition box, and down the left Robin Gosens became Germany’s new star. Germany has arrived at the tournament.

When Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal ended Germany’s spell of early dominance it felt like a familiar performance was incoming. Instead, Löw’s side shrugged off the goal, made more of possession in dangerous spaces, and let the wingbacks take over. And once they found that space, they couldn’t stop scoring.

It is telling that their first two goals came within four minutes of each other, but even more so that they were both own goals by Portugal. Maybe aware that their attack was still in need of sharpening, Löw’s side willed the ball into the net however they could.

Gosens gets Germany into gear

This was the performance of a team that had indeed entered a competitive mode, as Löw had asked them to do the day before. Germany finally combined their unity as a group with a performance befitting of their individual quality, and all of it was inspired by the play of their wingbacks. Both Joshua Kimmich and Gosens not only exploited the space given to them but were integral to the way in which Germany attacked.