By Brian Sanders
Neither country, despite long footballing traditions, has won a gold medal but both Germany and Portugal are seeking the opportunity to make their mark on football history as they square off in the quarterfinals in the Brazilian capital of Brasilia.
For Portugal each player is being given a unique opportunity. With the success of the senior team in the first major title this U-23 squad sees themselves as the future of this small but mighty footballing nation.
Most members of this squad, minus perhaps Andre Martins, would be unknown names to those who are not following the Portuguese league. Don’t let that make you think that this is a squad to be taken lightly.
In a group with Algeria, Argentina, and Honduras Portugal come through as group winners after earning seven points and only drawing the final match against already eliminated Algeria.
The real heavyweights for this tournament admittedly have been the Germans.
In a killer group with Mexico and South Korea Germany had to get a 10-0 win over Fiji and some help to ensure progress to the knockout phase.
Each player on this 18 man German roster currently has a place within the starting eleven for their club and some have been there for more than two seasons. But club level is different than international level.
For members of this German squad openings are available for Joakim Low’s team as qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup looms.
While Portugal has been fairly disciplined and in command of each match the style of Germany has been anything but.
Scoring an amazing 15 goals in their three matches Germany has been a squad that has been all about the attack. Indeed Nils Peterson, Max Meyer, and Serge Gnabry have been exceptional in the attack.
To shut down each player in turn will require more than just a top performance from a marking defender but in some cases the shutdown from a team effort.
That aside Germany’s attacking options are enough here. Expect Nigeria and Denmark to both be overly excited to find a German side chomping at the bit to score goals and demolish the opposition.
