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Why you should be excited aboit Germany at the upcoming UEFA Euro 2024.
Germany is on the cusp of a thrilling new chapter under the stewardship of 36-year-old Julian Nagelsmann ahead of the 2024 UEFA European Championships.
The youthful coach, who has quickly reestablished his reputation after a turbulent spell at Bayern Munich, is reinvigorating the German side with innovative tactics, dynamic selections, and a fresh wave of optimism.
Here is why you should be excited about this team ahead of a blockbuster four-week tournament.
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The Julian Nagelsmann Effect
Nagelsmann's tenure at Bayern Munich ended abruptly in March 2023, but he has since bounced back, transforming the mood around the national team.
Following the 2014 FIFA World Cup triumph, German football has faced disengagement and disinterest due to scandals and underperformance, peaking with a lackluster 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar that many Germans ignored. However, Nagelsmann's appointment has reignited hope and enthusiasm.
Back-to-back wins against France and the Netherlands during the March international break have been pivotal.
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Nagelsmann's quick, vertical football and creative selections have ushered in a new era of open-mindedness and excitement. This summer, Germany will play a 4-3-2-1 formation, showcasing ambitious, possession-based football with inverted full-backs and a dynamic midfield.
Key players
Maximilian Mittelstadt -left back
One of the most compelling stories in German football is the meteoric rise of Maximilian Mittelstadt.
Relegated to the second division with Hertha Berlin last year, Mittelstadt joined Stuttgart for €500,000 and became integral to one of the most dramatic turnarounds in German football.
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Stuttgart, under Sebastian Hoeness, went from relegation play-off participants to Champions League qualifiers within a year, with Mittelstadt playing a crucial role as an inverting, wandering left-back.
Mittelstadt's fearless commitment to moving the ball forward and his standout performance against the Netherlands in March make him an exciting player to watch. Although not the best German left-back, he is the perfect fit for Nagelsmann's system and has seized his chance admirably.
Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz
The combination of Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, both world-class young talents, was initially seen as a problem due to their overlapping roles.
However, Nagelsmann has harmonized their play, creating one of the most dangerous attacking tandems in the tournament. Their vision, ball-carrying ability, and general threat, complemented by Kai Havertz’s intelligent pivot play, make them a formidable force.
Major concern
Despite the offensive firepower, Germany's defense remains a point of concern. The country’s emphasis on producing versatile, technical players has led to a shortage of traditional defensive specialists.
Jonathan Tah and Antonio Rudiger are reliable, but the overall defensive lineup appears thin, and Nagelsmann will need to protect this area throughout the tournament.
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What you did not know about Germany
An amusing and unique aspect of Germany's preparations involves the use of Peter Schilling’s 1983 hit "Major Tom" as goal music.
After a viral video set to the song, a petition to use it during the Euros gained traction. Although UEFA vetoed the idea, the DFB trialed it during a friendly against the Netherlands, where Mittelstadt scored his first international goal, and Schilling’s song played.
This quirky choice has added a fun and nostalgic element to Germany's campaign.
Predictions
Six months ago, the prospect of Germany hosting a major tournament this summer was met with trepidation.
Concerns ranged from potential embarrassment on the pitch to the logistical challenges posed by the country's creaking transport systems. However, Nagelsmann's rejuvenation of the team has transformed the outlook.
Germany is not expected to be among the top contenders, but there is hope that they can emulate the spirit of the 2006 World Cup, where they exceeded expectations and showcased their potential.
Nagelsmann’s squad selections, based on form rather than reputation, have resulted in a balanced team with a mix of experienced veterans and emerging stars. The humility and dedication of this squad have generated goodwill and optimism among fans.
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