Oliver Bierhoff now has a whole smorgasbord of Wembley memories.
Of course, his legendary golden goal in the 2-1 triumph in the 1996 European Championship final against the Czech Republic still outshines everything. But when they return to the football temple for the last group game on Monday (8:45 p.m. / RTL) in the Nations League against England, there is still an open account.
“It’s still a special experience, a special atmosphere to return to London with the national team,” said the DFB director.
In June 2021, the DFB team lost 2-0 to the Three Lions in the round of 16. The era of national coach Joachim Löw was over. “Unfortunately, the most recent memory of last year’s European Championship is not good. We would like to forget it,” said Bierhoff.
Germany and England: The duel of the frustrated
But even last year’s failure is ultimately football history for Bierhoff. Germany’s 1-0 defeat by Hungary and England’s 1-0 defeat in Italy on Friday night, which saw coach Gareth Southgate’s team relegated to the B division, make the clash a clash of frustrations.
And that eight weeks before the start of the World Cup in Qatar. “It can be important for both teams after the defeat,” Bierhoff emphasized. After all, both want to become world champions on December 18 in Doha.
National coach Hansi Flick keeps the preparation in London close. On Sunday (10.30 a.m.) the final training will take place in the arena in Leipzig. In the late afternoon we leave for London. There, Flick and Jamal Musiala will answer questions about the Wembley classic at the press conference in the evening (7.30 p.m.).
The game is something special for Musiala. He grew up in London and could have played for England’s national team. England is his “second home”. The 19-year-old only came up against Hungary in the closing stages. The Bayern professional should play against England from the start. Unlike the EM-Aus over a year ago. Löw only sent the highly talented player onto the field in added time. Flick now has other plans.