Schluroff’s second-half goals help Germany defeat Portugal

Germany defeated Portugal 32–30 in Herning in the opening European Championship main-round match. The contest between preliminary group winners remained close throughout, but Germany’s second-half scoring and goalkeeping earned two additional points and strengthened their position in group I.

Strong defensive performances left the score tied 11–11 at half-time, with neither side establishing more than a two-goal advantage. Miro Schluroff then scored seven goals after the restart, while Andreas Wolff made it increasingly difficult for Portugal to convert opportunities.

Lukas Zerbe’s penalty with thirty-eight seconds remaining protected Germany’s advantage. Wolff received the match award after thirteen saves, while Francisco Costa scored ten for Portugal and António Areia equalled Carlos Resende’s national record of twenty-two European Championship appearances.