Football

The upcoming 2024-25 Bundesliga season promises to be an exciting one, with several new faces set to make their mark on the German top flight. Here's a closer look at five players to watch:Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)Bayern Munich's most expensive signing this summer, Olise is a speedy winger with a knack for scoring goals. The 22-year-old impressed at Crystal Palace last season, contributing 10 goals and 6 assists in just 19 Premier League appearances. His arrival adds depth and attacking threat to Bayern's already formidable squad.Pascal Gross (Borussia Dortmund)Despite his age, Gross brings experience and creativity to Dortmund's midfield. The 33-year-old German international has spent the last seven years at Brighton, where he was twice named the club's player of the season. His ability to create chances and score goals could be crucial for Dortmund's title aspirations.Aleix Garcia (Bayer Leverkusen)Garcia was a key figure in Girona's surprise third-place finish in La Liga last season. The 27-year-old Spanish midfielder provides Leverkusen with additional midfield security and creativity. His ability to control the tempo of the game and contribute defensively will be invaluable to coach Xabi Alonso.Deniz Undav (Stuttgart)Undav was one of the standout performers in Stuttgart's impressive second-place finish last season. The German forward scored 13 goals in 31 Bundesliga appearances, helping the club secure a return to the Champions League. With several key players departing, Undav will be even more crucial to Stuttgart's success this season.Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig)Leipzig have a reputation for developing young talent, and Nusa is the latest addition to their impressive roster. The 19-year-old Norwegian winger arrived from Club Brugge for a reported fee of 22 million euros. He scored on his debut for Leipzig and is expected to play a significant role in replacing Dani Olmo, who departed for Barcelona.These five new faces are just a few of the players to watch in the upcoming Bundesliga season. With a mix of experience, talent, and potential, they are sure to make an impact on the German top flight.

Germany's Euro 2024 hopes received a boost with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Greece in a friendly on Friday. Despite a shaky start, the hosts rallied to secure a late win thanks to a stunning strike from Pascal Gross.Greece, who failed to qualify for the tournament, stunned Germany with an early goal from Georgios Masouras. The visitors took advantage of a Manuel Neuer error to take the lead in the 33rd minute. However, Germany responded well in the second half, with Kai Havertz equalizing in the 56th minute.With the match seemingly heading for a draw, Gross emerged as the hero. The Brighton midfielder unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box in the 89th minute, leaving Greece goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos with no chance.Despite the victory, Germany's performance raised some concerns. Coach Julian Nagelsmann's team lacked fluidity in the first half and struggled to break down Greece's defense. However, Nagelsmann praised his side's improvement in the second half, saying, "The win is important for the atmosphere before the tournament."Toni Kroos, who returned to the team after winning the Champions League with Real Madrid, acknowledged Germany's shortcomings but remained optimistic. "We finished the match much better, we concentrated and controlled the ball," he said.The victory will provide a confidence boost for Germany as they prepare for their Euro 2024 opener against Scotland next Friday. However, questions remain over Neuer's form, with Barcelona's Marc-Andre ter Stegen waiting in the wings.