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Home Nations League 'privilege not pressure', say hosts Germany / Photo: © AFP
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Home Nations League 'privilege not pressure', say hosts 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 the final on Sunday at the same venue.
Last year's Euros hosts beat Italy in the quarter-finals, winning the right to hold the remainder of the tournament on home soil as well as progression to the final four.
Germany's hopes of winning Euro 2024 at home were dashed with a quarter-final loss in extra time to eventual champions Spain in July last year.
Midfielder Leon Goretzka, recalled into the Germany fold after being dropped for Euro 2024 on form grounds, knocked back the idea his side were under pressure to make short work of underdogs Portugal.
"I don't see it like that," Goretzka said Tuesday, adding: "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 past five games against the Germans.
Of the remaining teams, Germany is the only one yet to win the Nations League, with Portugal, France and Spain winning in 2019, 2021 and 2023 respectively.
Calling the tournament "a mini-Euros", Goretzka said "it's a chance to gift our country a title, even if it's a small one".
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has repeatedly said Germany's Nations League campaign is a crucial component 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, Joao Neves all started the match, with Goncalo Ramos coming off the bench.
Nagelsmann said facing Portugal's PSG stars so soon "had advantages and disadvantages".
"Recently they've had a bit more to do than other players," Nagelsmann said, adding that "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."
L.Zielinski--GL
