Ahead of Germany’s UEFA Nations League semi-final against Portugal, Julian Nagelsmann emphasised the importance of building confidence ahead of his side’s World Cup Qualifiers kicking off in September.

Germany's goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen fails to save a shot by Portugal's Francisco Conceicao during the Nations League semifinal soccer match between Portugal and Germany at the Munich Football Arena, in Munich, Germany, Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) AP

Before a champion is crowned, Germany and France will face off in a UEFA Nations League third place consolation game after both sides fell short in the semifinals.Germany were bested by a Portugal side that came out guns blazing in the second half.