Emre Can called Germany Under-21s' heaviest-ever defeat a "dark day" for the whole country.
Portugal were always expected to test the European Championship favourites on Sunday but few could have foreseen the way the semi-final panned out.
Rui Jorge's side ran out 5-0 victors in Olomouc and afterwards Germany head coach Horst Hrubesch revealed his relief that the goals stopped there.
Liverpool midfielder Can was certainly guilty of under-performing at the Ander Stadium, leaving him to reflect on a "dark day for all of Germany".
"I talked a lot this tournament, big talk even," he said. "I wanted to win the title.
"I don't know why, but for some reason, I didn't show my best out there. If I am honest, it is just shameful.
"From the first minute onward we failed to find our rhythm," he continued in an interview with www.uefa.com.
"Our mentality also wasn't there - we just had everything missing tonight, but excuses and apologies are no help now."
Source: PA
