The hope of an exhilarating Euro 2024 is shrinking with every new defeat for the national football team. But they still exist, the encouragers.
Bitter defeats against Turkey (2:3) and Austria (0:2), the brief upswing under the new national coach Julian Nagelsmann is already over: Germany’s national soccer team is almost seven months before the home European Championships (June 14th to July 14, 2024) in a bleak state that provides little reason for optimism.
But as always, not everything is black and white in the case of the DFB team. The sports show sees five points that continue to give hope that Germany will show successful football at the European Championships.
1. The comparison to 2006 – no better than today
The 2006 World Cup in Germany is remembered as a summer fairy tale. The previous phase was less memorable: in March before the start of the tournament, the DFB team had lost 4-1 to Italy with no chance. This was followed in May by a sobering 2-2 draw against Japan, who were not yet so strong at the time.
National coach Jürgen Klinsmann was heavily criticized, but still managed to form a powerful team. After just six minutes in the opening game against Costa Rica (4:2), Philipp Lahm put the ball in the right corner.
In the second game against Poland (1-0), crosser David Odonkor and goalscorer Oliver Neuville caused ecstasy in Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion. A strong third place followed – with a squad that was certainly no better quality than the current one.
2. Jamal Musiala – his dribbling was missing
The 20-year-old Bayern professional is a player who can make the difference. Even during the unfortunate World Cup exit in Qatar, he took control of the game, looked for a finish, and often only narrowly failed. If he increases his finishing rate, Musiala can decide games with his dribbling.
He was sorely missed in the defeats against Turkey and Austria. He and Leverkusen’s young star Florian Wirtz have what it takes to shape the offensive game and captivate the audience.
3. Ilkay Gündogan – captain with Leadership quality
For a long time, Gündogan was more of a follower in the national team, while he matured into a top player and title chaser at Manchester City. He is also an influential regular player at FC Barcelona. Gündogan has been captain of the DFB team since September 2023 – and cuts a good figure.
Although the number of his really convincing international matches is still manageable, Gündogan is respected and masters difficult interviews with confidence. Even after the disgrace against Austria, he found the right words about home-made problems, wrong starts and a lack of positive energy.
He clearly criticizes without becoming personal. Gündogan could be the leading player at the home World Cup that people are so keen to challenge.
4. The quality – German footballers can convince
It is an old story that Germany’s individual players are better than the results. But talent can actually become crucial if all players get into shape. The signs are good for this, because not only the players from the top foreign clubs train and play regularly at a high level, but the Bundesliga has also made gains.
In addition to FC Bayern, Leverkusen in particular is currently presenting itself at an impressive level. In addition, Leipzig and Dortmund are keeping up well in the Champions League, the same applies to Freiburg in the Europa League and Frankfurt in the Conference League. German football is convincing – just not the national team (yet).
5. The realization – problem recognized
“Everything we do on the pitch has its reasons. And I think the coach knows the reasons very well.” When asked about these words from Gündogan, Nagelsmann did not want to contradict them on ZDF. He said the team image was excellent in the hotel, but not on the pitch.
And: “We are not defensive monsters. We are a team that can be successful if we minimize the time we have to defend.” This plan didn’t work against Austria because of too many ball losses. This is also why Nagelsmann promised to hire one less top talent and one more worker.
This approach is certainly not new. But at least: knowing and naming problems and possible solutions is better than uttering empty empty phrases.