Representative sports squad - Focus on the trio of Neuer, Anton, and Groß in Ukraine's test
The team of Julian Nagelsmann for the EM-dream is mostly complete. However, during the penultimate game of the national football team against Ukraine at 8:45 pm on ARD in Nuremberg, national coach Hansi Flick will have three positions filled differently than in the successful March matches against France (2:0) and the Netherlands (2:1).
Manuel Neuer, who recently returned, will replace Marc-André ter Stegen in goal. Toni Kroos and Antonio Rüdiger could be replaced by midfielder Waldemar Anton and defender Pascal Groß. Both players shared their game plan for the match at Max-Morlock-Stadion: "Our goal is to maintain our winning streak and increase the excitement for the Euro tournament in Germany."
Neuer's Return after 18 Months
Nearly a year and a half ago, Bayern's captain Neuer played his last game for the DFB team in the disappointing World Cup in Qatar. After breaking his leg towards the end of 2022, Neuer will now play his 118th international game. The World Cup winner from 2014 aims to prove Neuer's number one status for the home tournament and that Flick's decision is correct.
Nagelsmann supported Neuer's performances at Bayern amidst the criticism during the season finale against France. "I strongly believe Neuer's performances this season were stable given the circumstances. He is still one of the best goalkeepers globally, both skill-wise and in terms of his responsibilities," Nagelsmann explained. He's optimistic: "I'm positive that Neuer will have an excellent Euro run."
Anton: The defender with offensive abilities
Rüdiger and Tah form the central defensive partnership. Behind them is Waldemar Anton from Stuttgart, who will make his second international start after his involvement in Stuttgart's runner-up season.
"What makes Waldemar unique for me is that he is a real defender but also has excellent offensive talent. He's a great footballer who loves to defend. You don't see many players like him in that position nowadays," Nagelsmann said. Anton is a step above Frankfurt's Robin Koch in the national team, per Nagelsmann: "He had a phenomenal season at Stuttgart."
Pascal Groß takes over from Kroos' mantle
How can you replace Toni Kroos? "It's not possible," said Pascal Groß. The 32-year-old Brighton pro will replace Kroos as the playmaker and orchestrator in the midfield as best as he can. But he doesn't want to mimic Kroos on the pitch but rather be himself. "I'm confident in my skills and will try to help the team with them, and to replace Kroos as best as possible."
Nagelsmann trusts in the talented midfielder with this task. "Pascal is a topnotch player. He was under the radar for a long time for what he can achieve," Nagelsmann said. Prediction: "I'm certain Pascal will have an exceptional game."
Groß embraces the challenge of replacing Kroos and Andrich without hesitation. "I train every day for the moment I'm needed. I'm here with pride and gratitude."
