Football

Germany, the host nation of Euro 2024, is riding a wave of confidence as they prepare to face Spain in the quarter-finals on Friday. After a string of disappointing performances at major tournaments, the Germans are once again optimistic about their chances of success.Toni Kroos, a veteran of the 2014 World Cup-winning team, declared that "the goal is to win the tournament." He added, "We want to go a lot further and in the dressing room we are very convinced we will achieve that."This newfound confidence is a stark contrast to the atmosphere nine months ago, when Hansi Flick became the first coach in German history to be sacked after a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Japan. His replacement, Julian Nagelsmann, initially struggled, winning only one of his first four games in charge.However, Nagelsmann has since turned things around, making 11 changes to the squad and bringing in players from Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen and surprise runners-up Stuttgart. His most crucial move was recalling Kroos, who had retired from international football in 2021.Kroos has been instrumental in Germany's resurgence, excelling in what will be his final tournament before retiring from football altogether. He believes that the team's winning mentality comes from experience."You can have a winning mentality or belief, you can live it, but it's hard to convey it in conversations," Kroos said. "You have to go through experiences and that's how your belief grows more and more."Germany has faced challenges along the way, but they have shown resilience in overcoming them. Kroos pointed to the "difficult situations" against Hungary, Switzerland, and Denmark as examples of how the team has developed a stronger mentality."We now have a different belief. We are now winning games or at least not losing games that we were clearly losing in the past," Kroos said.Germany will face their toughest test yet against Spain, the only other team to have won three Euros titles. However, with the confidence they have gained under Nagelsmann, the Germans will be confident of emerging victorious and continuing their journey towards the final in Berlin.

Germany, the hosts of Euro 2024, will face Denmark in the last 16 on Saturday in Dortmund. The Germans are hoping to avoid a repeat of their disappointing 1-1 draw with Switzerland in their final group stage match.After impressive victories over Scotland and Hungary, Germany's hopes were dashed against Switzerland. They were on the verge of defeat before Niclas Fuellkrug's stoppage-time header salvaged a draw and secured first place in the group.The draw served as a wake-up call for the hosts, who are aiming for their fourth Euros title. Coach Julian Nagelsmann acknowledged that there is still much work to be done.Germany's trophy cabinet may be more impressive than Denmark's, but the Danes famously defeated them in the Euro 1992 final. Denmark's triumph, after failing to qualify and then being admitted following Yugoslavia's exclusion, became a fairytale. However, Germany still regrets underestimating the Danes.Berti Vogts, a Euros and World Cup winner as a player, coached Germany in that 1992 final. He admitted in a recent column that his team "underestimated" Denmark."In 1992, we lost the Euros final against a great Danish team even though we were the favorites," he wrote. "Everyone thought we had the title in the bag, unfortunately, some players did too."Denmark, a 2020 semi-finalist, resembles Switzerland in many ways, with a well-drilled team and several talented players at top clubs. Vogts warned that the current Danish team may not have the same quality as their 1992 counterparts, but the pressure is on Germany."The Danes were hungry for success and carefree, they just played football and took us by surprise," Vogts said. "The German team should not make that mistake now. The Switzerland game was therefore an important warning shot."Germany has won five and drawn two of their seven games in 2024, thanks in part to Nagelsmann's consistent starting XI. However, the policy has cost them center-back Jonathan Tah for the Denmark clash after he picked up a second yellow card against Switzerland.Nico Schlotterbeck, Borussia Dortmund's talented but unpredictable central defender, will replace Tah on Saturday. Antonio Rudiger is also doubtful for the clash with a hamstring injury.Schlotterbeck expressed confidence in Germany's preparation for the match. "We know actually everything about the Danes," he said. "The whole match plan, defense, offense. We know about Denmark and how we will play them."Nagelsmann may consider replacing Arsenal forward Kai Havertz with Niclas Fuellkrug, who has scored twice off the bench so far. Fuellkrug, who made his debut at the age of 29 in 2022, has 13 goals to Havertz's seven.Fuellkrug downplayed his role as a supersub, saying, "The title is so much more important than the individual."

Germany's emphatic 5-1 victory over Scotland in their Euro 2024 opener has ignited optimism among the hosts, but coach Julian Nagelsmann remains grounded, emphasizing that it was merely a "first step" in their quest for a record-breaking fourth European title.Nagelsmann acknowledged the team's awareness that the victory was just the beginning of their tournament journey. "The team is conscious that this was a first step," he said. "But it was very good and very important and was something that we can build on."Germany's dominance was evident from the outset, with Florian Wirtz opening the scoring within 10 minutes. Jamal Musiala, who was named man-of-the-match, doubled the lead shortly after. Kai Havertz converted a penalty to give Germany a commanding 3-0 lead at halftime, after Scotland's Ryan Porteous was sent off for a reckless challenge on Ilkay Gundogan.Niclas Fuellkrug and Emre Can added further goals in the second half, completing Germany's comprehensive victory. Nagelsmann expressed his satisfaction with his team's performance, particularly their reaction to conceding a late goal while 4-0 up."We didn't let in any chances from open play," he said. "It was a very good sign for the team to be so pissed off that we conceded that goal. That shows the hunger that they had today."Havertz, who set up Musiala's goal and scored from the spot, echoed Nagelsmann's sentiments, emphasizing that the victory was a statement of intent. "I think that when you win 5-1, it's a message," he said. "But it's just the beginning. We saw the quality we have in the team, how good the players are. We're going to come up against other difficult opponents."With four goals in his last seven Germany appearances, Havertz has emerged as a key figure for the hosts. He acknowledged the support of the home crowd, saying, "We felt this energy in the stadium from the first minute. The whole country is behind us, we saw it at the training center. We're aware of it."As Germany prepares for their next match, Nagelsmann remains focused on the task ahead. "We have to stay humble," he said. "We have to work hard and we have to improve. We have to be ready for the next game."

Hosts Germany embark on their Euro 2024 journey on Friday, aiming to reclaim their continental glory after a string of disappointing tournaments. The three-time champions will kick off their campaign against Scotland in Munich, hoping to ignite the passion of their home crowd and set the tone for a successful tournament.Under the guidance of Julian Nagelsmann, Germany has gradually regained optimism after a dismal run of form. Despite a disappointing 2022 World Cup, the team has shown signs of improvement, with Nagelsmann instilling a renewed sense of belief.Germany boasts a wealth of talent, including veteran playmaker Toni Kroos and rising stars Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala. Manuel Neuer remains the undisputed goalkeeper, while Antonio Rudiger provides solidity in defense. Captain Ilkay Gundogan, who has experienced the highs and lows of Germany's recent tournaments, emphasizes the importance of a strong start.Scotland, making their second major tournament appearance since 1998, will be buoyed by an estimated 150,000 traveling fans. The Scots, led by captain Andy Robertson, are determined to make history and qualify for the knockout stages for the first time.Despite facing a formidable German side, Scotland has a realistic chance of progressing from Group A, which also includes Hungary and Switzerland. Manager Steve Clarke has set a target of four points, which would likely secure a place in the last 16.The opening match promises to be a spectacle, with both teams eager to make a statement. Germany will be favored to win, but Scotland has the potential to cause an upset and set the tone for a thrilling tournament.

Germany, the host nation of Euro 2024, is experiencing a resurgence of hope as the tournament opener against Scotland approaches. After a string of disappointing performances, including two consecutive World Cup group stage exits and a loss to England in the Euros in 2021, Germany endured a dismal 2023 with only three wins in 11 games. Many predicted an embarrassing early exit for the three-time Euros champions on home soil.However, the past four months have witnessed a remarkable turnaround. Despite a goalless draw against Ukraine in Nuremberg, Germany displayed a dominant second-half performance and created numerous chances. Coach Julian Nagelsmann emphasized the team's desire to win, even though the result was not ideal.Nagelsmann has made bold selections, including debutant striker Maximilian Beier and youngsters Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala, who have shown promise as a dangerous attacking combination. Other players, such as Chris Fuehrich and Maximilian Mittelstaedt, have also impressed, indicating that Nagelsmann has assembled a strong squad.The improvement on the pitch and the growing optimism off it have boosted Germany's confidence as they aim for a fourth Euros trophy, which would equal Spain's record. They face Greece in their final friendly on Friday before facing tougher tests in the group stages against Scotland, Hungary, and Switzerland.Nagelsmann's tenure began with just one win in his first four games, but he has since shaken up the squad and brought back Toni Kroos. Rather than relying solely on big names, he has selected players based on form, including several from Bayer Leverkusen and Stuttgart.Germany's convincing performances against France and the Netherlands in March have raised expectations. Nagelsmann believes the Ukraine match was "perfect" preparation for the group stage, while veteran Thomas Mueller remains confident despite the goalless draw.The German public has embraced the national team ahead of the tournament. The DFB's innovative approach to squad announcements has reached a wider audience, and fans have flocked to watch the team train. Nagelsmann acknowledges the "great support" and believes it will carry the team through the tournament.

Germany's head coach, Julian Nagelsmann, unveiled his initial 27-man squad for the upcoming European Championship in a unique and inclusive manner. The announcement was made through a video message featuring a diverse group of individuals from various walks of life, reflecting the multicultural fabric of German society.Nagelsmann expressed his satisfaction with the squad, stating that it could have been his own selection. He emphasized the importance of involving the public in the announcement, as it showcased the team's connection to the nation and its aspirations for success in the home tournament.The squad largely maintains the core group that Nagelsmann has been developing since March. Despite strong performances in the season's latter stages, Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels and Bayern Munich's Leon Goretzka were not included. However, Hummels' teammate Nico Schlotterbeck returns to the fold after an absence since September.Schlotterbeck and Dortmund teammate Niclas Füllkrug will join the squad later due to their involvement in the Champions League final. Real Madrid's Toni Kroos and Antonio Rüdiger, also named in the squad, will also join the team after the final.Nagelsmann acknowledged that the late arrival of these players will pose some challenges in training, but he expressed confidence in their ability to contribute to the team's success.The squad announcement was preceded by leaks in the media, but the official confirmations through the video message added an element of excitement and anticipation. Thomas Müller, Germany's most experienced player with 128 caps, was among those who hinted at his inclusion on social media before the official announcement.Germany will host Euro 2024 from June 14 to July 14. Nagelsmann's team will begin its preparations in Blankenhain from May 26-31 before moving to Herzogenaurach on June 1. The team will play friendlies against Ukraine, Greece, and Scotland before opening the tournament against Scotland in Munich.Nagelsmann expressed optimism about Germany's chances in the tournament, stating that he believes the team can win it. He emphasized the importance of building confidence and momentum in the lead-up to the tournament.

Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck has been named the first player in Julian Nagelsmann's 26-man squad for Euro 2024, according to German media reports. The news was revealed by football website Kicker, citing a source close to the German Football Association (DFB).The DFB is reportedly unveiling players individually ahead of the official announcement in Berlin on Thursday to minimize the risk of leaks. Schlotterbeck, 24, made two appearances for Germany at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar but was subsequently dropped by Nagelsmann.However, his impressive performances for Dortmund, who have qualified for the Champions League final against Real Madrid, have earned him a recall to the national team. Germany will kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against Scotland in Munich on June 14.Schlotterbeck's inclusion in the squad is a testament to his resurgence at Dortmund. After a difficult start to his career at the club, he has become a key player under Edin Terzić, forming a formidable partnership with Mats Hummels at the heart of the defense.His performances have not only helped Dortmund secure a top-four finish in the Bundesliga but also reach the final of the Champions League. Schlotterbeck's versatility, as he can also play as a left-back, makes him a valuable asset to Nagelsmann's squad.With Euro 2024 being played on home soil, Germany will be eager to make a strong impression. Nagelsmann has a wealth of talent at his disposal, and Schlotterbeck's inclusion is a sign that he is willing to give opportunities to players who are in form.

Toni Kroos, the Real Madrid midfielder, has announced his return to the German national team after a three-year absence. The 34-year-old, who last played for Germany at the 2018 World Cup, made the announcement on Instagram, stating that he was motivated by a request from coach Julian Nagelsmann and his belief in the team's potential at the upcoming European Championship.Kroos's decision to return to the national team is a significant boost for Germany, who are looking to bounce back from their disappointing performance at the 2018 World Cup, where they were eliminated in the group stage. The midfielder's experience and quality will be invaluable to Nagelsmann's side, who will be aiming to make a deep run in the tournament, which will be held in Germany from June 14 to July 14.Kroos has been one of the most consistent and successful midfielders in world football over the past decade. He has won numerous trophies with Real Madrid, including four Champions League titles and two La Liga titles. He has also been a key player for Germany, helping them win the 2014 World Cup and the 2017 Confederations Cup.The midfielder's return to the national team has been welcomed by Nagelsmann, who said that Kroos is "a world-class player who will bring a lot of quality and experience to the team." Kroos is expected to make his return to the Germany squad for the upcoming friendlies against France and the Netherlands in March.