The rivalry between Germany and Portugal in international football is a compelling clash of European powerhouses. With Germany’s disciplined, high-intensity approach and Portugal’s flair, led by stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, their encounters have produced memorable moments in major tournaments. As they prepare for their UEFA Nations League semi-final clash on June 4, 2025, at the Allianz Arena in Munich, let’s dive into their head-to-head record and past meetings.
Head-to-Head Record
Germany has historically dominated Portugal in competitive matches. According to data from recent analyses, the two nations have faced off 19 times across all competitions, with the following record:
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Germany Wins: 11
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Draws: 5
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Portugal Wins: 3
Germany’s dominance is particularly evident in recent years, having won their last five encounters against Portugal since 2006, scoring 15 goals across these matches.
Key Past Meetings
Euro 2000: Portugal’s Last Victory
Portugal’s most notable win against Germany came at Euro 2000, where they secured a 3-0 victory, thanks to a hat-trick from Sérgio Conceição. This match marked a low point for Germany, who finished bottom of their group during a challenging period for the team.
2006 World Cup: Third-Place Playoff
In the 2006 World Cup hosted by Germany, the two sides met in the third-place playoff. Germany triumphed 3-1, with Bastian Schweinsteiger scoring twice. Cristiano Ronaldo featured for Portugal but couldn’t prevent the loss.
Euro 2008: Quarter-Final Thriller
The Euro 2008 quarter-final in Basel saw Germany edge out Portugal 3-2 in a five-goal thriller. Despite Ronaldo’s stellar club form at Manchester United, Germany’s clinical finishing prevailed, with goals from Schweinsteiger, Miroslav Klose, and Michael Ballack.
2014 World Cup: Germany’s Dominant Display
One of the most one-sided encounters occurred at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Germany crushed Portugal 4-0, with Thomas Müller scoring a hat-trick after Pepe’s first-half red card left Portugal with ten men. This loss contributed to Portugal’s group-stage exit.
Euro 2020: High-Scoring Affair
At Euro 2020, Germany continued their winning streak with a 4-2 victory at the Allianz Arena. Ronaldo scored for Portugal, but Germany’s attacking prowess, led by Robin Gosens and Kai Havertz, proved too much. This match highlighted Germany’s ability to exploit Portugal’s defense.
