The German national team has often faced misfortune in major tournaments, particularly in the Euro Cup, where their journey frequently ends at the semifinals. However, in the 2024 Euro Cup, Die Mannschaft has turned their luck around by being the first team to secure a spot in the round of 16 after defeating Hungary. Julian Nagelsmann, the head coach, can finally breathe easier as his ambition to clinch the title on home soil begins to seem attainable.
A significant boost for the German squad is the return of Toni Kroos, whose presence in the midfield is crucial. Known as "The Sniper," Kroos brings experience and skill that could be pivotal for the team's performance. Smael Football highlights this resurgence of the German team, reflecting on their past struggles and renewed hopes.
In recent years, the German national team has endured considerable setbacks, appearing cursed in major competitions. They have not won the Euro Cup since 1996 when it was held in England, marking a 28-year title drought. Julian Nagelsmann, with his ambitious vision, aims to change this narrative in the 2024 Euro Cup.
Nagelsmann, at 36, sees Euro 2024 as a prime opportunity to achieve glory on home turf, reminiscent of Germany's World Cup triumph in 1974, driven by the fervent support of the home crowd. Determined not to let this chance slip away, Nagelsmann has strategically built his squad, including convincing Toni Kroos to come out of retirement.
Kroos, who rejoined the national team in March, recognizes the need for seasoned players to guide the younger talents. His return is seen as a blessing, with Nagelsmann banking on Kroos's expertise to steer the team towards success in the tournament. The coach is hopeful that Kroos's influence will bring the luck and leadership necessary for Germany to reclaim their status as champions.
The return of Toni Kroos significantly enhances the German national team's quality. The player from Greifswald is now seen as a lucky charm for Die Mannschaft. Kroos has set aside his past disappointments with the national team, having retired earlier after being blamed for Germany's failure in the 2020 Euro Cup. During that tournament, Die Mannschaft was swiftly knocked out in the round of 16 by arch-rivals England, losing 2-0 under Joachim Löw's management.
Uli Hoeneß, the president of Bayern Munich, was particularly critical of Kroos's performance, accusing him of causing Germany to lose its identity by playing an outdated style that didn't keep up with modern football. However, Julian Nagelsmann doesn't share this view. The coach believes in Kroos's ability to lead the midfield, and this belief has been justified. In the match against Scotland, Kroos was instrumental, achieving a remarkable 99% pass accuracy, with only one pass failing to reach its target.
According to Opta, this statistic is the highest recorded in the Euro Cup since 1980. Nagelsmann's confidence in Kroos has paid off, and the midfielder's performance has reinvigorated the German national team.
The German national team showcased their prowess not just in the opening match but again in a dominant performance against Hungary, securing a 2-0 victory. Julian Nagelsmann's squad started aggressively, pressing from the first whistle. Early on, Kai Havertz found himself with a prime scoring opportunity within the first 10 minutes, but the Arsenal striker couldn't convert in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper. Redemption came in the 22nd minute when Jamal Musiala cleverly capitalized on a goalmouth scramble to put Germany ahead.
Continuing their relentless attack in the second half, Die Mannschaft doubled their lead through a well-executed one-two play. A precise pass from Maximilian Mittelstädt was deftly finished by Ilkay Gündogan. Germany's dominance was clear in the match statistics, recording 19 shots and maintaining 70% possession. This performance echoed their earlier game against Scotland, where they managed 20 shots and 73% possession.
With these back-to-back victories, Germany secured their spot in the round of 16. Nagelsmann expressed immense pride in his team's achievements, praising their excellent play and minimal mistakes. The former RB Leipzig coach commended his squad's ability to deliver outstanding performances consistently, highlighting the strength and resilience of the German national team.
The German national team's impressive performance in their first two matches can be attributed to the exceptional form of several key players. Jonathan Tah, Robert Andrich, and Florian Wirtz have captivated the German public with their outstanding displays. These three have been instrumental for Bayern Munich this season, contributing to their Bundesliga title and DFB Pokal victory. Unsurprisingly, they have been ever-present in Germany's first two Euro 2024 matches.
Florian Wirtz has been a standout star in the attacking midfield, scoring a crucial goal against Scotland. His creativity shone in the match against Hungary, where he achieved a 100% dribble success rate and 92% pass accuracy. Julian Nagelsmann has recognized Wirtz's vital role in the team's tactics, praising his ball-handling skills and calling him a top candidate for standout performer of the tournament.
Complementing Wirtz's contributions, Real Madrid's Antonio Rüdiger has been a rock in defense, making five clearances in the match against Hungary. Meanwhile, Toni Kroos remains the heartbeat of the team, providing experience and leadership in the midfield.
Nagelsmann's admiration for these players is evident, as their performances have been crucial to Germany's success, securing them a place in the round of 16. The coach's tactical acumen, combined with the players' on-fire form, has made the German national team a formidable force in Euro 2024.
Julian Nagelsmann has been pivotal in bolstering the strength of the German national team with his bold tactics at Euro 2024. Known for his innovative approach, the former Hoffenheim coach has deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation, but with a unique twist: he has chosen to forgo a traditional striker. Despite having prominent strikers like Deniz Undav, Nicolas Füllkrug, and Maximilian Beier at his disposal, Nagelsmann opted to use Kai Havertz as a false nine. This unconventional strategy has proven highly effective, leading to two consecutive victories.
Havertz's role as a space-seeker has been crucial, allowing attacking midfielders such as Ilkay Gündogan, Jamal Musiala, and Florian Wirtz to thrive. This tactic has paid off, with these players contributing significantly to the team's goal tally. Gündogan, in particular, has excelled, scoring a goal and providing an assist in the match against Hungary, showcasing his ability as an attacking engine.
Nagelsmann's approach has garnered praise from football legends, including Ian Wright. The English legend was impressed by Germany's performance and commended Nagelsmann for effectively utilizing players' individual strengths to create a cohesive and formidable team.
As Germany continues to impress at Euro 2024, fans and analysts alike are speculating whether Die Mannschaft can finally break their 28-year Euro Cup title drought. Do you think this squad has what it takes to go all the way and lift the trophy? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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