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?

Berlin: Euro2024 final

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?

Click here for more news and stories from across Germany

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."

Popular posts from this blog

UCL: Real Madrid win the Champions League again

-
Image
Borussia Dortmund 0- 2 Real Madrid Real Madrid overcame a formidable challenge from underdogs Borussia Dortmund to secure the Champions League title at Wembley. Carlo Ancelotti made history once again with his fifth win as a manager in the competition, while Real Madrid claimed their 15th title in typical fashion. They weathered a stormy first half and several missed opportunities from Dortmund before emerging victorious. A brief summary of the match Dortmund's Karim Adeyemi missed two chances in the first half, and striker Niclas Fullkrug struck the post. Real Madrid's recalled goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, was also a formidable barrier. As expected, Real Madrid upped the ante, with Dani Carvajal nodding in a header from a corner 16 minutes from time, followed by Vinicius Jr racing clear to add a second goal. This victory crowned a glorious first season at Real Madrid for Jude Bellingham, but it was a night of disappointment for Jadon Sancho, on loan to Dortmund from Manch
Read more

Euro 2024: Germany win opening game

-
Image
 Germany 5 - 1 Scotland There were six goals in the first game of Euro 2024. Unfortunately for Scotland, they only managed one. Pictures from the Euro 2024 Opening Ceremony The atmosphere at Allianz Arena was electric right from the start. Just ten minutes in, Florian Wirtz effortlessly found the net to open the scoring. Shortly after, Jamal Musiala unleashed a powerful shot that almost broke both Angus Gunn’s net and the hearts of the stunned Scottish fans behind the goal. Before half-time, Kai Havertz made it three from the penalty spot, following Ryan Porteous’ red card which left Scotland facing an uphill battle. Substitute Niclas Fullkrug added a fourth for Germany with a high shot into the net, though Antonio Rudiger’s late deflected own goal offered a glimmer of hope for Scotland. Their joy was short-lived, however, as Emre Can silenced the Scottish supporters deep into injury time. This result marked the biggest win in the opening game of a European Championships.  Euro 202
Read more

Euro 2024: Italy survive Albania scare

-
Image
Italy 2 - 1 Albania Holders Italy overcome a huge scare from group outsiders Albania. Italy recovered from the shock of conceding the fastest goal ever scored at a European Championship to beat Albania 2-1 with Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolò Barella ensuring the defending champions made a winning start. Such a narrow margin of defeat may prove useful to Albania’s hopes of scraping third place in the group of death. They will almost certainly need to win their next game though. Not an easy task. Nedim Bajrami’s emphatic finish set a new record for the fastest goal in European Championship history, lifting the roof off a stadium that had never experienced anything like the Albanian influx, which kept the atmosphere electric throughout. Within 23 seconds, Bajrami ensured that this already intense occasion would go down in history. It was inevitable Albania would start aggressively, spurred on by a noisy support that filled at least three-quarters of the venue. Italy wasn't ready.
Read more