Euro 2020 Preview - Germany

[The Palace Fan]

Germany

After a disastrous World Cup campaign three years ago, Germany have endured some very strange results in World Cup qualifying and long-serving manager Joachim Low is set to step down following this tournament. It feels like this may be the one year in which die Mannschaft may not be a major threat.

 

Road to Euro 2020
Germany won seven out of eight qualifying games in Group C, finishing three points ahead of the Netherlands. During this period they were in great attacking form, netting 30 goals in their ten qualification games and scored two or more goals in every single fixture.

 

What to Expect
Joachim Löw is steadily transitioning the next generation of German superstars as they aim to maintain their traditional position as one of the best national teams in the world.

Sixty-eight of Germany’s 160 shots in qualifying were on target as they bombarded their opponents with swift and effective attacking football.

Germany’s defensive performances have surprised. They have conceded seven goals in eight qualifying games, which is an unusual statistic for a usually solid defensive unit. This could be an indicator that the Germans may struggle against stronger opposition during the tournament.

 

Possible Lineup
Joachim Low took a lot of public criticism by starting Manuel Neuer at the 2018 World Cup despite spending the majority of the 2017/18 season injured. Three years later Manuel Neuer still remains his preferred choice, but Joachim Low will take less flack this time as Marc-Andre ter Stergen is ruled out injured.

Joachim Low previously experimented with Emre Can at left back during the World Cup qualifiers and has began including Antonio Rudiger again since he's started playing more regularly again for Chelsea. We however believe that he will favour a back four of Lukas Klostermann, Matthias Ginter, Niklas Sule and Robin Gosens given last time out they were embarrassed by North Macedonia.

In midfield, we expect Ilkay Gundogan to be in serious consideration for a starting role given his improvement for Manchester City this season, Joachim Low seems to favour the experience of Toni Kroos and the two Bayern central midfielders when everybody is match fit but it appears Leon Goretzka could miss the start of Euro 2020 after picking up a thigh injury. It may be that Ilkay Gundogan and Leon Goretzka have minutes spread between each other during the tournament.

Further forwards, Timo Werner didn't start any of the recent World Cup qualifiers as it appears Joachim Low was experimenting as to whether Kai Haevertz could feature in the starting eleven going forwards. However for the European Championships we believe Joachim Low will revert to a more settled front three consisting of Leroy Sane on the right, Timo Werner on the left and Serge Gnabry playing the central role despite traditionally being a winger. Serge Gnabry has was in impressive form during the qualifiers as he contributed with eight goals ahead of this tournament. It's unknown what role Thomas Muller may play given his recent recall to the side.

 

Key Player
Joshua Kimmich has transitioned from a well rounded right-back to a key midfielder over the last couple of seasons. The 24-year-old has built a great understanding with both Leon Goretzka and Toni Kroos. He will no doubt be an instrumental figure should Germany progress far in this tournament.

 

Prediction
There will still be an expectancy in Germany for their national team to produce a good showing. This is their 26th consecutive major tournament, and the three-time winners have progressed from the group stage more times times any other country. 

Whether Joachim Low has taken this side as far as he can remains to be seen. There appears to be a renewed sense of optimism knowing that this will be his final tournament so the Germans may be a team to watch for the 2022 World Cup as opposed to Euro 2020.

[Beelzebub]

Quarterfinal stuff max

[Machado]

3rd place finish. Sorry folks.

[The Käiser]

3 games left with Löw as manager 

[Viva la FCB+]

Suspend him you cowards 

On a more serious note, Benji Pavard actually admitted he was Ko'd for 10-15 seconds. Watching that 100% he was out cold I dont know how or why the medical staff doesnt intervene in situations like this. Reminded me of seeing Kramer all those years ago in the finals looking like a  doe eyed deer on the pitch for however long it was before he subbed off after clearly suffering a concussion. 

[Tommy]

On 16/06/2021 at 22:44, Viva la FCB said:

Suspend him you cowards 

On a more serious note, Benji Pavard actually admitted he was Ko'd for 10-15 seconds. Watching that 100% he was out cold I dont know how or why the medical staff doesnt intervene in situations like this. Reminded me of seeing Kramer all those years ago in the finals looking like a  doe eyed deer on the pitch for however long it was before he subbed off after clearly suffering a concussion. 

Ah, Kramer. I remember that he asked the referee if this is the final. He's a pundit for ZDF this EURO, and a very capable one. Witty, eloquent and not afraid to speak his mind. He could have a career in the media when he hangs up his boots. 

[Viva la FCB+]

Goretzka, what a beauty. 

 

[Viva la FCB+]

Fantastic. 

[Tommy]

Our stadium did it too!