Home Nations League 'privilege not pressure', say hosts Germany
MUNICH, GERMANY: Hosts Germany insisted that playing the Nations League finals at home was a "privilege", dismissing suggestions of additional pressure ahead of Wednesday's semi-final against Portugal in Munich.
The winners at Munich's Allianz Arena will face either holders Spain or France in Sunday's final, also to be held at the same venue.
Last year's Euros hosts beat Italy in the quarter-finals, earning the right to stage the remainder of the tournament on home soil as well as securing progression to the final four.
Germany's hopes of winning Euro 2024 at home were dashed with a quarter-final defeat in extra time to eventual champions Spain in July last year.
Midfielder Leon Goretzka, recalled to the Germany squad after being omitted from Euro 2024 due to form, rejected the idea that his side were under pressure to comfortably dispatch underdogs Portugal.
"I don't see it like that," Goretzka said on Tuesday. "I see it as a privilege to play in front of your home fans."
Portugal have not beaten Germany since 2000 and have lost their last five matches against them.
Of the remaining teams, Germany are the only side yet to win the Nations League, with Portugal, France, and Spain lifting the trophy in 2019, 2021, and 2023 respectively.
Describing the tournament as "a mini-Euros", Goretzka said, "It's a chance to give our country a title, even if it's a small one."
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has repeatedly emphasised that the Nations League campaign is a crucial part of their preparation for the 2026 World Cup.
"It's a small title, but for us as a group, it's very important," the coach added.
Four Portugal players won the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain in Munich on Saturday. Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, and João Neves all started the match, while Gonçalo Ramos came off the bench.
Nagelsmann said that facing Portugal's PSG stars so soon "had advantages and disadvantages."
"Recently they've had a bit more to do than other players," said Nagelsmann, adding, "the game wasn't that long ago."
"They might have celebrated a bit, too. I don't know how well they're doing now, but they probably had a beer or two."
Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes toasted his team-mates' success but said, "Regardless of how many beers they've had, they're amazing players, ambitious players – and more motivated than ever.
"I'm sure they're more than ready."
Portugal coach Roberto Martínez said the energy of Portugal's PSG contingent was "contagious", calling them "winners."
Even if the quartet had celebrated hard, Martínez said, "For Portugal, it's better to have players who have that experience of winning."
"I'll wait until tomorrow to see how they are physically, but emotionally they are over the moon."
Fernandes said the absence of the injured Jamal Musiala gave Portugal a boost, calling the Germany midfielder "if not the best, then one of the best number 10s in the world."
"He's very talented and has so much to offer football – we're lucky he's not playing."
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