Euro 2024 preview: Can Germany make home advantage count?
Germany is preparing to host and take part in Euro 2024
How far can they go?
They are aiming to win their first major title in a decade as they host Euro 2024. Their Group A opener against Scotland marks the beginning of what the country hopes will be a month-long celebration for the country
Despite Germany's impressive history of four World Cups and three European Championships, their reputation has been somewhat marred by a string of failures since their 2014 World Cup victory in Brazil.
The team is relying on a mix of exceptionally talented young players, such as Jamal Musiala and newly-crowned Bundesliga champion Florian Wirtz, alongside seasoned veterans like 2014 World Cup winners Manuel Neuer, Thomas Müller, and Toni Kroos.
Challenges in the run-up
Between March and September 2023, Germany lost four out of five games against mediocre opponents and failed to secure any wins. Hansi Flick, who also saw his team crash out of the group stages at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, became the first Germany national coach to be sacked after a shocking 4-1 home defeat by Japan in early September.
Germany turned to 36-year-old Julian Nagelsmann, much to the relief of many fans who were pleased he took on a job that had suddenly become undesirable. Nagelsmann, known for his charisma and brashness, brought renewed energy to the team. However, there wasn't an immediate improvement in results.
Euro 2024 news and stories (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)
In March 2024, he reinstated Toni Kroos and switched to a more traditional back four. He sensibly positioned Havertz closer to the opposition's goal. With a strong attacking lineup, Nagelsmann has shifted focus back to ball possession rather than counterattacking. A solid 2-0 win over France, followed by a comeback 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in Frankfurt, has changed the team's mood – they now believe in themselves again, just as the fans do.
Players to watch
Florian Wirtz helped transform Bayer Leverkusen from perpetual runners-up into unbeatable Bundesliga champions. Known for his exceptional vision and powerful shot, Wirtz is a master at finding gaps in the opposition's defence.
Despite being only 21, he has already played over 100 Bundesliga matches and is regarded as one of Germany's best dribblers. His ability to turn swiftly and weave through defenders was showcased by his stunning goal of the season against Freiburg. The question now is, can he bring the same positive impact to the national team?
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Jamal Musiala clinched the 2023 Bundesliga title for Bayern with his late winner in Cologne on the final day. However, many feel that this season he hasn't quite lived up to his own high standards.
Even so, his agility with the ball makes him a formidable player, capable of creating dangerous opportunities from seemingly nothing. In the words of one expert: "The potential is remarkable, but his performance this season hasn't been up to the standard we were accustomed to."
