DFB team's practice for Euro 2016 is saved by reaching a dream goal.
A long time ago, Lange observed that the German national soccer team struggled in their preparation for the EURO tournament. In a challenging match against Greece, the speedy and aggressive DFB team experienced unexpected weaknesses. However, all changed when Pascal Groß entered the game and scored a phenomenal goal, securing a 2-1 victory.
The takeaway is: With an unyielding desire to succeed and thanks to Pascal Groß's efforts, the German soccer national team managed to have a successful EURO warm-up. The player from Brighton & Hove Albion helped Julian Nagelsmann's team rebound from a bad start to the game after half-time. However, just a week before the EURO tournament, the coach faced another issue - a decision about who would be Germany's goalkeeper.
While the experienced captain, Manuel Neuer, made a mistake, which was similar to a blunder he made while playing for Bayern Munich recently. The EURO team was supposed to practice with returning players like Antonio Rudiger and Toni Kroos for their match against Scotland to increase excitement. But, after Neuer's error and Greece's initial goal, the tension escalated.
The situation improved in the second half as Kai Havertz equalized the score. At least, he quelled some of the controversy surrounding the choice of a fourth goalkeeper. Substitute Benjamin Henrichs nearly scored the winning goal, and ultimately, Pascal Groß got his first international goal.
Right before kick-off, Nagelsmann decided to leave Alexander Nübel out of the EURO squad. To compensate for Leroy Sane's shin injury, he decided to take an additional player on the field, instead of a reserve goalkeeper. "The squad is finalized, the team is ready," Nagelsmann confidently statement.
Before the match, he emphasized the need to have a better set-up in the penalty area. But like the previous EURO game against Ukraine, Germany had many issues in that area. This time, there was a flurry of activity in the German penalty area, with Neuer saving a shot from Christos Tzolis (6).
Despite the presence of Kroos, there was a shortage in passing accuracy, prompting Nagelsmann to frantically pace his coaching area, attempting to regain control of the game. The defense showed an attacking tendency, but the offense lacked speed against Greece's well-structured 4-4-2 formation.
After a mispass from Florian Wirtz, Greece pressed forward, forcing Jonathan Tah to lose possession. Rudiger blocked Tzolis' shot. However, Neuer made a crucial save, preventing Masouras from scoring. "A crude foul," said German sports expert Lothar Matthäus.
The setback seemed to wake the team up. Shortly after a free kick by Kroos, Tah almost netted a goal when he headed the ball toward an opponent's goal. Havertz scored the equalizer when he finished a successful combination play.
Nagelsmann intervened during the game, substituting in players like Sane, whose three-game punishment had ended, and David Raum - both players were fatigued. Kimmich prevented a second Greek goal against Tzolis (46), and the guests had more chances to score. The tie was the result of a quick exchange between Robert Andrich, ilkay Gündogan, and Sane, with Havertz finishing the play.
Nagelsmann had to respond quickly when Sane returned, bringing in a few more reserves like Dortmund players, Niclas Füllkrug and Nico Schlotterbeck. The final minutes were a series of fast German attacks and furious Greek defenses. In the seventy-third minute, Henrichs almost scored, and then Groß secured the celebrated victory.
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The DFB team's goalkeeper for the European Football Championship 2024 is yet to be decided, with Manuel Neuer and Alexander Nübel in contention. Toni Kroos, a staple in the German national soccer team, will continue to contribute his midfield prowess. Julian Nagelsmann is eager to utilize the skills of Toni Kroos and other returning players like Antonio Rudiger for the match against Scotland, increasing excitement for the EURO tournament. Passionate fans are looking forward to seeing the German national soccer team, led by Manuel Neuer, compete in the European Championships with talents like Toni Kroos and Julian Nagelsmann.
