Portugal ready to shine in gold
After a topsy-turvy second half Portugal managed to preserve their huge lead, at one point eight goals, and reach the final for the second time in a row.
For almost 40 minutes Portugal were scintillating. They played their possibly best half of the tournament, even though they beat Spain as well. They were sharp from the first whistle, suffocating Germany's attacks with mobile and disciplined defence, while also being fluid in offence, providing a variety of different solutions.
It seemed like Germany ran out of gas after an incredible comeback the previous night against Sweden, and perhaps that is what the Portuguese thought as well. We were all wrong.
Suddenly, Germany's defence tightened, Portugal's attacks started becoming longer and longer, with less ideas and Germany narrowed the gap to only a goal. But, that is where they collapsed. In the final six minutes they failed to score and several wonder saves from Diogo Rêma finished the Germans off.
Portugal have two silver medals from this competition, last of which in the previous edition in 2022 when they were hosting the tournament and lost to Spain, but with different generations of course. This is a new generation, an improved Portugal, ready to shine in gold on Sunday.
This is what we work for. Now we have to enjoy and try to win the final. Spain is the European and World champion. We have to do our best. I didn't start like I wanted to, but in the end I was feeling much better.
