Germany not relying on statistics against Portugal, says Nagelsmann

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said on Tuesday that it "serves no purpose" that the statistics favour his team against Portugal, their opponent on Wednesday in one of the semifinals of the Nations League at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

"That the statistics favour us has no meaning, it serves no purpose," Nagelsmann assured a press conference. "I think statistics are more of a hindrance than a help. All we need to do is score one more goal than the Portuguese," he added.

Germany have won their last five matches against Portugal, who have not beaten the Germans for 25 years.

German midfielder Leon Goretzka, in line with his coach, said: "We know that the statistics favour us, but we also know that Portugal is a good team and a dangerous opponent.

Nagelsmann gave some clue as to the lineup he will field on Wednesday, previewing that centre-back Jonathan Tah will start, but did not reveal whether Nick Woltemade will start up front. "I can't say because I don't know, Nick can play or Niklas Fullkrug can play. They can also play together," he added.