United Rant

Ed - Saturday 21:46

Well it’s goodnight from him…

…. and goodnight from me. It wasn’t the best game for United Rant’s first ever international live blog, but there will be far better in this tournament. We’ll be back with Ireland v Croatia tomorrow and others throughout the tournament. We hope you will join us!

Send us some feedback in the comments section below, or on Twitter. Paul is at @UtdRantCast and you can catch me at @unitedrant

Paul - Saturday 21:40

Wrap up

Well, that perked up nicely! Stinker of a first half, very exciting second half. Great result for Germany, and the green shoots of a potentially impressive tournament performance. What an enormous three points, and Portugal fans will be left wondering what would have been if they’d gone for it. Parking the bus and losing 1-0 feels terrible, as we all know only too well.

Thanks for joining us here! We’ll (probably) be back tomorrow for some more of this sort of nonsense.

Ed - Saturday 21:39

Football is a simple game of of XI v XI….

And then the Germans win! Well, it wasn’t pretty for most of it, but it’s hard not to say that Germany deserved that. Portugal improved in the second half, but in truth they just didn’t offer enough during this match. Lacked ambition until it was desperately too late.

In the end Mario Gomez’ high-quality header won the game in which very little happened for much of the time. We expected a lot more from this. Supposedly two of the better sides in the tournament.

Well roll on Italy v Spain, and Croatia v Ireland tomorrow!

Paul - Saturday 21:37

Germany substitution

Ed’s just collapsed into a heap of laughter, I’m almost sure.

Paul - Saturday 21:36

“Their best chance of getting a leveller” 

Ed - Saturday 21:36

Smoke bombs and flares

Smoke bomb goes off in the Germany end and the PA is on the speakers yet again. There was a big fuss when Russian fans threw a *really really cool* strobe flare onto the pitch in Friday night’s game. Come on UEFA, live a little. Flares, smoke can be safe and can add to the atmosphere.

Paul - Saturday 21:35

Flappy arms

Wazza obviously holidayed there as a lad.

Ed - Saturday 21:34

Flappy Arms

See, it’s not just a Cristiano Ronaldo thing, it’s a national thing. Seemingly, all Portuguese players, coaches, and fans flap their arms when things aren’t going the right way. Well fair enough.

Paul - Saturday 21:34

Chances!

Wow. Superb, Peter-esque keeping from Neuer there to make himself huge and put Varela off sufficiently that he didn’t know what to do and kicked it straight at the German stopper.

Ed - Saturday 21:32

Kroos

Fantastic player. Yet another pacey, creative, attacking midfielder. They really do breed them in Germany, don’t they. If they create little diddy tiki-taka midfielders in Spain, Kroos is the archetypal modern German player. They’ve another one in Marco Reus too – the BMG player who is headed to Borussia Dortmund next season.

Paul - Saturday 21:31

Ozil’s come off

I’d give him about 7/10 – looked super dangerous a few times, but just didn’t quite click for him. Plenty more to come in the tournament, I expect.

Paul - Saturday 21:29

If there’s a mirror there

He’ll redo his hair, Viva Ronaldooooo!

Paul - Saturday 21:29

The Ball

Thanks, wikipedia! The Jabulani looked great too, mind you, but this one doesn’t seem to be quite so “characterful”.

Ed - Saturday 21:28

Schweinsteiger

Now there’s a big game player. All over the pitch and two players in one: a great attacker and a great defender. Nominally Schweinsteiger is a holding player in Germany’s 4-2-3-1, but he’s really not as limited as that. It’ll never happen, but Sir Alex Ferguson should pay absolutely anything to take him to Old Trafford. No, really, anything. In these Glazernomic times perhaps you should offer Schweinie a night with your missus?

Paul - Saturday 21:28

“Nani’s corner” 

Right into the danger zone. Uniteditis is obviously eased by distance…

Ed - Saturday 21:26

Ball

The official match ball for UEFA Euro 2012 is the Adidas Tango 12, which is designed to be easier to dribble and control than the reportedly unpredictable Adidas Jabulani used at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

There you go, Paul, Wikipedia insight!

Paul - Saturday 21:24

Klose

The German Michael Owen has come on. Germany player, occasionally on loan to a bunch of clubs. Think this one will finish 2-0 now.

Ed - Saturday 21:24

Mario Gomez

He’s really not a top centre forward is he. His work outside the area is average, his work inside the area has been average at times too. But he’s scored a huge amount of goals this season and that counts for something. And the Bayern man has got the key goal here too. What was I saying about big players?

Paul - Saturday 21:22

The Ball

I really like that ball. #Insight

Ed - Saturday 21:20

Now Ronaldo’s resolve will be tested

The big players make it count in the biggest games, don’t they? Ronaldo was criticised for not contributing against the best early in his career – its not a charge that can be levied any longer. But he needs to make a difference once again here…

Paul - Saturday 21:19

I know they aren’t, 

But I like to think the German fans are singing “Didn’t win the cup, but still picked it up, Viva John Terry!”

Paul - Saturday 21:17

Dodgy Keeper

In the Rantcast Euro Preview Ed pointed out that Rui Patricio is not very good. He was wildly out of position for that one.

Ed - Saturday 21:16

Goal!!!!!!!!!

He couldn’t score in the Champions League final, but Bayern Munich’s Mario Gomes scores with an absolutely fantastic header. Match winning header perhaps.

Paul - Saturday 21:16

Final ball! 

This one takes a massive deflection, but Mario Gomes FINALLY does the job in an international tournament. Lovely header, really perfect.

Paul - Saturday 21:15

Final balls! 

Come on lads! Get a final ball together.

Atmosphere’s really picked up, and Portugal have looked to change things by bringing on promising Benfica striker Nelson Oliveira. Now, we all know that Football Manager is a soothsayer, so this lad will be banging them in alongside Chicharito in three years time!

Ed - Saturday 21:15

Moutinho taking more chances

The little midfielder rarely broke into the opposition half during the first period, but he’s taking more risks now getting ahead of the ball and allowing Miguel Veloso and Raul Mereles to hold. Could Portugal take this game… they could you know.

Ed - Saturday 21:12

Russia > Germany

Not for the first time, students of history might add! But the Russians really were excellent last night in the context of this game. Dare we say it, but for all Germany’s enduring quality through midfield is there a lack of a cutting edge up top? Like the Eastern Front, Russia took no prisoners. Germany, not so much.

Paul - Saturday 21:11

Nani’s reaction to things

They’re not like other people’s. So theatrical. I wonder if he does that when he’s not playing. THERE’S NO SUGAR IN MY TEA! HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE???????????????!!!!??????

Paul - Saturday 21:08

Slaps! 

Then chances! Then tackles! It’s got everything, this one.

Shame it’s a tiny bit of everything, spaced out by quite a lot of tedium.

Ed - Saturday 21:07

Referees, and the Beeb’s Mark Lawrensen

“He’s not the ref you want when the game’s a minger…” Classic Lawro there.

Paul - Saturday 21:07

AARGH

Lawro. Even when it’s a foul, has a pop at the ref. It’s just infuriating.

Ed - Saturday 21:04

Jose

The Special One is in the stadium showing pictures and laughing with his mate. Rant knows what’s going on…

Jose: “Got any pictures of your wife naked?”

Mate: “no”

Jose: “Would you like to see some, hahahahahaha”

Paul - Saturday 21:03

The Special One

Clearly loving the Rant live blog on his phone there. Hi Jose!

Ed - Saturday 21:02

Multi-coloured boots

Ok, so call me old fashioned, but there really isn’t much wrong with a black boot. There’s hardly anybody on either side that’s wearing a good stouty black shoe. It’s the kind of thing Opta should be tracking. Are we seeing the first ever match to not feature a traditional boot?!

Paul - Saturday 21:00

Great ball from Ozil to Podolski.

Just after Ed said his final ball has been lacking. Classic Rant action there.

Ed - Saturday 20:58

Ozil

Mesut Ozil is all over the place. His movement is phenomenal, but the final ball is lacking a little bit today. Could do with finding space between the lines in sight of goal. Arguably spending too much time in the channels, allowing his colleagues to break forward when perhaps Ozil should be creating the chances more centrally where he’s most dangerous.

That and he’s still ridiculously boggle-eyed.

Paul - Saturday 20:56

It’s come to life

Hooray! Football!!

Paul - Saturday 20:54

Watching Ronnie

I’ve used this description before, but it always feels appropriate. Watching Ronaldo play for someone else is like bumping into your incredibly attractive ex-girlfriend who was never that nice to you and was maybe not the brightest.

Ed - Saturday 20:52

Nani magic

Oh, very nice by Nani skinning Philip Lahm on the right flank. Shame he couldn’t pick out Cristiano Ronaldo who was unmarked at the far post. Much better opening to this second half from both teams. Portugal actually attacking, Germany creating a good chance at the other end moments before.

Paul - Saturday 20:52

Great stuff from Nani. 

Excellent control, worked the opening well, delicate ball in, well defended. And it’s Portugal, so he doesn’t have to ruin it by taking the corner he won and inevitably hitting the first man.

Paul - Saturday 20:50

Off to a flyer! 

The first 45 seconds of the second half are better than the entire first 45 minutes. Excellent attacking purpose from Germany and phenomenal defending from Portugal. More of this please!

Ed - Saturday 20:48

Second Half

All the emphasis on Germany open the scoring in the second half, or Portugal will be happy to sit back, defend and take a point. How much will the Germans risk to win? With the Dutch coming next – desperately needing a win themselves – Germany could do without being hit on the counter and taking a sucker-punch loss. Delicate balance to strike.

Paul - Saturday 20:48

The impact of the first game today on this one.

I suppose one of the things about the earlier game is that both these two teams will fancy their chances more against Holland, and so a point against each other becomes more valuable, especially for Portugal. But a win! Imagine that! Three points here! COME ON!!!!

(Side note, nice to see almost every Portugal player high fiving the mascot. No need, but I’m in favour).

Paul - Saturday 20:36

Wow, this is a cracker!

Oh, wait, we DIDN”T pay for the rights, Ed?

In that case, yes. It’s a bit dull. Although interesting from a tactical perspective. And there’s been a couple of good bits.

Ed - Saturday 20:34

Dull

Well its a non-event isn’t it. At least here at Rant we’re under no obligation to pretend that it’s a good game since we didn’t pay £2 million a game for broadcast rights. Oh, and why oh why is the Beeb set in Salford. It spoils the atmosphere. Compare and contrast with ITV’s excellent set in Warsaw.

Paul - Saturday 20:32

Excitement!!

Pepe so close!

And the UEFA announcer acting like an unruly teenager’s parent and offering a completely empty threat to call the game off if the naughty Germans don’t stop chucking stuff!!

And Lawro saying the officials behind the goals don’t signal for anything, WHEN THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED TO SIGNAL BUT SPEAK TO THE REFEREE OVER THE HEADSET.

Ed - Saturday 20:32

Racism and Toilet Rolls

UEFA’s official position. Foul racist abuse is ok (well actually it officially doesn’t exist even when caught on TV), but throwing a toilet roll onto the pitch may cause a match abandonment and punishment. So much so that the Lviv Arena PA announcer repeated it twice in the first half.

Undeliverable? Sadly, from UEFA very believable. What must the Dutch think of it?

Paul - Saturday 20:30

Although it’s not glamorous…

Portugal have been impressively well organised. Germany have no space to operate in. My brilliant pre match tactical insight that both teams should go for it has proved unsurprisingly ignorant.

Paul - Saturday 20:28

Hearts in mouths

Nani goes down looking a bit hurt. Worrying times. Also, Mark Lawreson is a twonk.

Ed - Saturday 20:27

Mental Coach

No, not guy screaming and shouting on the touchlines, but Dr Hans-Dieter Hermann, who is the German squad’s on site shrink. What will he be telling the lads at half time if the score stays the same. Believe! You know the old United mantra. Patience the key here. Germany much the better of the two sides after 40 minutes. Portugal look happy to take a point from this. They might pay a heavy price. At least that’s what Dr Hans will be saying.

Paul - Saturday 20:24

Crying out for a goal

This has all gone a bit “opening game of group stage of major international tournament”. Really needs a Germany goal.

Ed - Saturday 20:23

Even Better Banners

From the ever amusing Irish…

Paul - Saturday 20:22

Quality banners

Just spotted a banner saying “Fancub Fraggles.” Good work, Germans.

Paul - Saturday 20:21

Flappy arms

Ed’s liver is just one of the many reasons why we need to #KickFlappyArmsOutOfFootball

Ed - Saturday 20:18

Flappy Arms!

It’s the new drinking game here at Rant Towers – whenever Cristiano Ronaldo flaps his arms its a shot of Tequila. If he pouts it’s whiskey. And if the arms stay on the hips its vodka. We’re going to be sh*t fashed by the end of this.

Paul - Saturday 20:16

What a ball!

Ozil with a fantastic bit of decision making and execution cuts the simplest, sweetest ball back into the box. Sadly it’s to Podolski, who Podolski’s it up a bit and skies it.

Ed - Saturday 20:15

Nani

The (joint) best winger in the world? Well at least the ever-confident United winger thinks so. If so Portugal need to get him the ball as he’s virtually invisible in this game at the moment. He’s got the skills, even if the consistency seems to elude him. Could be his best chance to shine on the international stage. Time to deliver if you want that massive new contract!

Paul - Saturday 20:12

Feedback

If you have any feedback on the live blog, feel free to leave a comment below, or get me @utdrantcast and Ed @unitedrant on twitter!

Paul - Saturday 20:11

It’s coming

Germany pressing now, and getting closer to making something happen. One of those intricate passing moves around the edge of the box is going to work, I reckon.

Ed - Saturday 20:10

Parking the Bus

Portugal sitting deeper and deeper as this game goes on. It’s not a bad tactic with three central midfielders protecting the back four and loads of pace up front with Ronaldo and Nani on the break. Portugal will be in trouble if they concede the first goal though… always the risk with a strategy based on keeping it tight.

Paul - Saturday 20:09

Controversy! 

Khadeira with huge advantage, ref stops play before Gomes puts the ball into the net. Terrible decision – let the play run for a few seconds!!!

Paul - Saturday 20:07

Stepovers 

Ronnie with a lovely bit of skill, then a lovely cross, then that sad realisation that Portugal still haven’t worked out how to make centre forwards. I wonder if there are taskforces in the Portuguese parliament set up to work out how to train one?

Ed - Saturday 20:06

50s Haircuts

Scott Parker is a trend setter. No not because he’s a mediocre player in the centre of England’s midfielder – that’s been going on for years! No, Parker’s setting hair trends with slicked back preppy hair. Rant knows these things, and so it seems does Cristiano Ronaldo and Mario Gomes, who have both copied the looks!

Ed - Saturday 20:02

Sami Khedira

He’s grown a lot in Madrid. Khedira was such much more of a water-carrier two years ago and a bit lucky to have been such a prominent figure in the World Cup. Khedira is more dynamic now, with a greater range and ambition with his passing, and key to Germany breaking with pace.

Ed - Saturday 19:59

Mannschaft

No, ladies and gents, we’re not talking German porno movies here. It’s the nickname of the national team in Germany. Although in truth it’s one really only used outside of Germany where they prefer Die DFB-Elf – the Deutsche Fussball Eleven. Catchy.

Paul - Saturday 19:57

Shape

Germany playing so wide, trying to pull the Portuguese out of position and create space. It’s not opened up yet, but I suspect that’s coming.

Ronnie on the end of a misplaced through ball manages to keep his arms unflapped. Early days yet.

Ed - Saturday 19:53

Veloso v Ozil

Interesting match-up this one. Miguel Veloso was ‘linked’ with United a thousand times a few years ago. Good work by his agent, but nothing more than that. But the midfielder is marking Mesut Ozil man-to-man – the German midfielder is one of the very best movers in the game, floating in between midfield and attack with such ease. Can’t see the Portuguese getting the better of this match-up, but he might have to if Portugal is to stay in this game.

Paul - Saturday 19:52

It’s all a bit kicky

Five minutes in, and there’s been a lot of bitty, kicky stuff from both sides. A good number of fouls given already. If this lack of fluency continues, it would be a really unfortunate way for this game to go.

Ed - Saturday 19:49

First chance – Germany

Good early ball and Mario Gomes gets across the defender to get in the first header at goal. Gomes scored over 40 goals in the season just gone, although you wouldn’t know if from the shocker the striker had in the Champions League final. Still, he is the man in form despite the huge amount of international goals 34-year-old Miroslav Klose has scored over the years. Gomes is due a big tournament or will he forever be thought of, unfairly, as a big game bottler?

Paul - Saturday 19:47

Gomes – on target!

Nice to know that’s still a thing which exists in the quantum possibility space. The Champions League final had me wondering.

Ed - Saturday 19:43

The Anthems

Universally sung by the Portuguese players, bench and supporters. Not exactly a rip snorter though. Jolly, but definitely anthems division two.

Deutschland über alles – the most arrogant anthem in the tournament, but a classic tune. Sung by only about 50 per cent of Germany’s players. An omen. Nah, of course not!

Paul - Saturday 19:43

Properly excited now

What a game this could be. Would be a pretty big surprise if the teams cancelled each other out, since they’re both at their best going forward. And the prize of 3 points has become even more valuable after this afternoon’s result.

Portuguese smash the Germans in number of players belting out anthem…

Ed - Saturday 19:39

Referee

Stéphane Lannoy, France.

Lannoy once used to play football before turning to officiating matches. Some wish he’d stuck to plan A. Rant couldn’t possibly comment. Lannoy has been on the FIFA international circuit since 2006 so there’s plenty of experience there. Lannoy has refereed in the Olympics, Champions League, during the qualifiers for this tournament, and at the 2010 World Cup. He only took charge of two matches in the latter – Netherlands – Denmark and Brazil – Ivory Coast to very mixed reviews.

Paul - Saturday 19:35

Important Ronnie Hair Update

Ronnie’s flattened the spikes into the full Scott Parker. The boy’s made a statement there.

Paul - Saturday 19:34

The Beeb

During the news, a very dull game of musical chairs has taken place in the BBC studio. Harry and Clarence have shifted over a seat, Seedorf knocking Dixon out of frame, and Hansen has jumped into the spare seat. That’s a fairly decent punditing line up, all things considered.

Ed - Saturday 19:26

Predictions

Germany 3-1 Portugal. Looking forward to an open attacking game, but Germany should be too strong for the Portuguese whatever Cristiano does. In recent years Germany’s back four hasn’t looked great but Boateng, Hummels, Badstuber, Lahm is stronger than Löw has been able to field. No Mertsacker = much better chance of keeping up with Cristiano’s trail of dust!

They’ll be dancing on the streets of Berlin tonight!

Paul - Saturday 19:18

Predictions

Germany 2, Portuganaldo 1. Ozil and Gomes, and obv. Ronaldo. Nani will do a couple of ace things and a few things which will get whatever the Portuguese equivalent of FFS is out of their fans. Germany will look really impressive with the ball and slightly vulnerable at the back.

18 arm flaps from Ronnie, the undisputed heavyweight champion of arm flaps.

Ed - Saturday 19:17

The Teams

The teams are in and it’s two very familar line-ups and tactical systems. Joachim Löw sticks with a 4-2-3-1 formation that has served Germany so well in recent months, ditching the failed experiment with three at the back that ended up conceding five against Switzerland in a recent friendly. Muller is in and Gotze on the bench. We’re likely to see the youngster sooner rather than later though.

Paulo Bento includes both Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo in a 4-3-3 formation that also includes former Tottenham Hotspur striker Hélder Postiga. It’s a clich´ of course, but the perennial striker problem rears its ugly head for Portugal once again. It will surely be the team’s undoing this time round. Postiga now plays for Zaragoza is La Liga. He scored nine times last season.

Germany (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Boateng, Hummels, Badstuber, Lahm; Khedira, Schweinsteiger; Muller, Ozil, Podolski; Gomez

Portugal (4-3-3): Patricio; Pereira, Alves, Pepe, Coentrao; Meireles, Veloso, Moutinho; Nani, Postiga, Ronaldo

Paul - Saturday 19:07

All set up very nicely

That’s made it all very interesting indeed. The Dutch got very Dutch about all of that. Robben in full parody of himself mode, cutting inside and blazing the ball over the cross bar. Denmark getting three points means that a win tonight has become even more valuable, given that you would still imagine that Holland will be harder to beat than Denmark for Portugal and Germany.

Seen shots of the Germans looking very relaxed on the pitch and Ronnie with very spikey hair looking all annoyed getting off the coach. Then the beeb treated us to Roy Hodgson (who I still quite like) talking absolute nonsense about Rio. I’m off to make a cuppa whilst Klinsmann tells us that the German national side are  really good.

Ed - Saturday 18:54

Hors D’Oeuvres

Denmark 1-0 Netherlands. Well, it’s the biggest shock of the tournament to date, although that doesn’t take much. In truth it wasn’t the best game, with the Dutch, in particular, disjointed. Netherlands hugely reliant on Wesley Sneijder to set the pace and tone for the attacking movement, and it didn’t quite work for the Inter star today.

But we were treated to the finest pass of the tournament to date: Sneijder to Jan-Klass Huntelaar with the outside of his foot. Simply wonderful, and a case of “look at what you could have won” for United fans watching!

As always, there was one moment of controversy with the Dutch denied a penalty for handball with moments remaining. It would have been harsh on a Denmark side that is hard to break down, and worked hard for the result despite Netherlands’ 28 shots on goal. Denmark’s resilience was prevalent all through qualification – it’s just the kind of style that might take Morton Olsen’s side into the quarter-finals.

All is not lost for the Dutch though, who will still rank as one of the tournament favourites. After all Spain lost its opening match of World Cup 2010 to Switzerland. Depending on how other results pan out, Netherlands could make the second round with a win and a draw. The trouble – Bert van Marwijk’s men face Germany next.

Paul - Saturday 18:00

Half time in the warm up

Quick thoughts on the first half of the under card. Holland really look disjointed and not very team-like. Denmark looked dangerous on the break twice and scored one of them. Holland will really cause themselves a problem if they can’t get it together and move the ball around amongst their front players better.

Bet you’re all glad of that searing insight, eh?

Ed - Saturday 16:31

Netherlands v Denmark

We’re live-blogging today’s main course, but this isn’t bad for starters….

Netherlands (4-2-3-1): Stekelenberg; Van der Wiel, Heitinga, Vlaar, Willems; Van Bommel, De Jong; Robben, Sneijder, Afellay; van Persie

Denmark (4-2-3-1): Denmark: Andersen; S Poulsen, Kjaer, Agger, Jacobsen; Zimling, Kvist; Rommedahl, Eriksen, Krohn-Dehli; Bendtner

Ed - Saturday 16:02

The Managers

Joachim Löw – “It’s time to start. We’re really looking forward to it all kicking off. We’ve had a long preparation period, and there is lots of planning behind us – we feel ready for anything. We are in a very strong group but the challenge is to measure yourselves against the best in the world. There is a nervousness about the squad, but it is always like that before a tournament – it is good for performance; we need that pressure. We have been having fun in training and we are ready to take this fun onto the pitch.”

Paulo Bento – “We hope to be at our best so we can compete with a high-quality Germany team. We have a great side; so do Germany. They had a brilliant qualification and their three titles speak for themselves. But we played well to get here, and though we’re in a strong group, we’re well organised. We can get a result. Germany give few chances away but there’s always a few. We must capitalise whenever they do. We can’t let them attack all the time as they could make us suffer. We have to be aggressive, win the ball and use it.”

Ed - Saturday 15:14

Stadium

Arena Lviv is one of eight Euro 2012 venues, and is set to host three group games during the tournament. The new-build stadium has a capacity of 34,915 for the tournament, and is normally home to FC Karpaty Lviv – a perennial mid-table club in Ukraine. Arena Lviv opened in December 2011 and cost €211 million to complete.

Paul - Saturday 15:00

Football! 

International tournaments are the best, Jerry, the BEST! The dynamic of the relationship between the importance of club football and international football has obviously changed massively in recent years, but I am never quite sure about a football fan who doesn’t enjoy 3 or 4 weeks where loads of the best players in the world strut their stuff and we get multiple football matches on terrestrial telly every day.

Today’s tantalising twosome emerges from the group of death. I’m very much looking forward to seeing the Dutch in action against the Danes, but Cristiano vs Germany has deserved building at the top of today’s title card. I am reliably informed that Portugal have some other players, including our very own Nani, but I’ve never actually caught a glimpse of them over the top of Ronnie’s enormous screen filling ego.

Take a look at the full preview of group B elsewhere on the site for some actual useful insight and information, but from my perspective, I’m like a giddy schoolchild waiting to see this German side in action. It feels like they’ve been building to something over the last few international tournaments, and if this is indeed the tournament where it all comes together, it could be a sight to behold. I’m sure lots of United fans will be getting their Portuguese on, because of Nani and CREGO himself, but I’m leaning slightly Deutsch for this one. In the meantime, 2 hours to go until we get to see Ruud and Jaap (and Jordi)’s old team against Peter’s old team!

FOOTBALL!!!!!!!

Ed - Saturday 13:31

Preamble

Early team news suggests two fully fit squads for the match in Lviv, Ukraine. Germany captain Philipp Lahm and midfielder Sami Khedira returned to training this week, while Per Mertesacker is still expected to start after taking a knock in this week. Influential midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is fit despite missing pre-tournament friendlies.

Meanwhile, United winger Nani has recovered from a foot injury and will start for the Portuguese.

Lviv is widely regarded as Ukraine’s cultural centre. Will we see some artistic football tongith? With Nani, Ronaldo, Mesut Ozil, Mario Gotze and others on show, you better believe it.

Portugal v Germany kicks off at 7.45 (British Summer Time) and we’ll be with you from just before 7 with the confirmed teams, day’s gossip, predictions and more. See you then!