Germany(U21) vs Portugal (U21) - Hrubesch confident in Germany form

Posted Saturday, June 27, 2015 by PA

Germany Under-21s approach their European Championship semi-final without fear and head coach Horst Hrubesch has warned Portugal have yet to reach top gear.

The Ander Stadium in Olomouc plays hosts to the mouth-watering clash between the bookmakers' favourites for the crown in Saturday's early kick-off.

Portugal comfortably progressed as Group B winners - thanks in no small part to England's ineptitude in Moravia - but now face their toughest test yet against Germany.

Hrubesch's side beat Group A winners Denmark but finished runners-up after drawing with Serbia and the Czech Republic, not that the head coach is at all worried.

"I am confident because we've not been overrun in a single match yet," the Germany Under-21s coach said. "Whenever needed, we've been able to take our game up a gear.

"We don't fear Portugal. For us it was always important to go step by step so it doesn't matter who we come up against. We've been committed to this process from the beginning and now we want to go to the final."

Germany have no injury concerns heading into Saturday's semi-final, but Portugal are waiting to see whether Tiago Ilori has overcome a thigh complaint.

The Liverpool defender's availability would likely see Rui Jorge name an unchanged side for a match Joao Mario - the match-winner against England - knows just how tight it will be.

"It is a great joy to take part in such a match," the Sporting Lisbon midfielder said.

"We worked very hard to be here and I am looking forward to the match.

"They have a very strong team indeed. It'll be a 50-50 game, very balanced. It's anyone's game."