After failing to progress from their group at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at the expense of Spain and surprise package Japan, Germany went through a period of misfiring on the international stage.
By Nathan Evans
Following their 4-2 victory against Costa Rica in their final group stage outing at that tournament, a 2-0 friendly success over Peru quickly followed but a run of five matches without victory soon after cost former manager Hansi Flick his job.
In his place, Julian Nagelsmann took the reigns and ever since, he’s been able to help Die Mannschaft get their mojo back.
A four-match unbeaten run prior to this tournament saw Germany enter as outsiders with the bookmakers, though ones who were perhaps unlikely to really challenge for the crown on this occasion, even if they were also hosting the event. A 5-1 demolition of Scotland in their opening Euro 2024 group stage outing quickly changed expectations though, before their performances in a 2-0 victory over Hungary, and 1-1 draw with Switzerland really cemented their place as one of the favourites to win this competition after finishing top of Group A.
Next up is a Round of 16 clash with Denmark, a repeat of the Euro 1992 final which saw the Danes shock the world to win 2-0 on the night and claim their first and, so far, only major tournament title.
Germany have struggled in their head-to-head matches against their neighbours from the north ever since, winning just one of six meetings between the pair played since the turn of the century. But in this latest match up, Nagelsmann’s side enter with renewed confidence and more than enough quality to progress to the quarter finals.
With home advantage on their side in Dortmund on Saturday, the hosts are likely to stick with their 4-2-3-1 system that has treated them well so far. Alongside youngster Jamal Musiala who has impressed out wide and forward Niclas Füllkrug who continues to find the back of the net on a regular basis, it’s been midfielder Toni Kroos who has stolen the headlines at this tournament so far, both from a German perspective and overall.
After announcing his retirement ahead of this competition, both internationally and at club level, the 34-year-old has produced some scintillating form to aid his side’s progression from the group stage. Starting each game so far, Kroos has recorded an average rating of 8.2 with FotMob – the second-highest of all players behind only Spain’s Fabian Ruiz – with his 112.2 accurate passes per 90 highlighting him as the strongest playmaker at this tournament.
His next task is to breakthrough the Danish backline, who have so far proved stubborn after conceding just two goals in their three games, and his ability to do just that could be the difference between Germany reaching the last eight in this competition or not.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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