European Championship round of sixteen - Nagelsmann proud: The home European Championship will be a success story
When the fans in the EM euphoria repeatedly sang the "Completely detached" hymn in the boiling Dortmund stadium, the completely drained German players felt great satisfaction and relief from the coaching staff led by Julian Nagelsmann and also from Rudi Völler cheering on the sidelines.
After the hard-earned 2:0 (0:0) in a wild rain game against Denmark and the entry into the EM quarterfinals, a huge burden was lifted from the entire DFB troop. After the first knockout game victory in eight years, the home EM cannot end as a frustration tournament anymore.
Despite numerous oppositions and the pressure of being favorites, "I'm proud of it," Nagelsmann announced. The young Bundestrainer has managed to turn a team that had been plagued by failures into a cohesive winning team again. The players are "slowly erasing the old hard drive and understanding how good they are," Nagelsmann said. Maybe even championship-worthy?
The European Championship tests
The biggest challenges are still coming, perhaps already on Friday (18.00 CET) in Stuttgart. Everyone is counting on Spain as the next opponent. The knockout stage match against EM surprise team Georgia will be closely followed by Nagelsmann and Co. in the DFB camp in Herzogenaurach on Sunday evening.
The troop returned to the base in Herzogenaurach late at night after the flight from Dortmund. "Spain, Georgia, I'm looking forward to both," said captain Ilkay Gündogan. "We know we can beat anyone. But we also know that we can be beaten," said Joshua Kimmich.
A "quirky knockout game" with key moments
The victory against stubborn Danes "in a quirky knockout game" (Nagelsmann) with the weather interruption, several video evidence, and nerve-wracking turns was deserved, even if a lot of match luck was needed in the decisive moments. For example, the Danish goal was disallowed, and shortly thereafter, the VAR led to a penalty for Kai Havertz, which he nervously converted right below.
The national team has been unbeaten for eight games, self-confidence is growing, and there is a team spirit that has not been seen for a long time. "Everyone fights for each other," emphasized defensive chief Antonio Rüdiger. With Nico Schlotterbeck, who replaced the suspended Jonathan Tah, Rüdiger formed the robust defensive duo as the pre-fighters. "We defended exceptionally well," said Schlotterbeck.
Winning types and game deciders
In the offensive game, there was a lack of efficiency against the Danes. "We had chances where we could have made the game easier. The good thing is that we create chances. On other days they don't go in," said Jamal Musiala. The 21-year-old scored his third tournament goal. Havertz converted his second penalty. The good thing is, there are players like these and others who can decide games. A late goal from Niclas Füllkrug was not needed this time. "The competition is always there in football, but we are fair fighters," said Havertz.
The Summer Fairy Tale effect is present. The festivities are bustling, people in the country are gathering once again behind the National Team. "The fans were extremely present," said Kimmich after his 90th international game. He spoke of "the best atmosphere" that prevailed during the fourth tournament game. The enthusiasm and support could carry the DFB team very far, perhaps even all the way to the final in Berlin.
- Spain and Georgia are the next opponents Germany will face in the EM quarterfinals and round of 16 respectively, much to the anticipation of captain Ilkay Gündogan.
- North Rhine-Westphalia's Dortmund stadium echoed with the "Completely detached" hymn as Germany celebrated a 2:0 win against Denmark, propelling them into the EM quarterfinals.
- In Germany's success story at the EM, Rudi Völler, a former German international and coach, cheered on the sidelines, providing support to the coaching staff led by Julian Nagelsmann.
- Germany's victory over Denmark marked their first knockout game win in eight years, potentially placing an end to any frustrations in the home EM tournament.
- In a rain-soaked match against Denmark, Joshua Kimmich and Kai Havertz, both from Borussia Dortmund, stood out, contributing to Germany's win and progress in the EM tournament.
- Antonio Rüdiger, a defender and leader in the German national team, highlighted the team spirit within the squad, with newcomer Nico Schlotterbeck playing his part effectively as a robust defensive partner.
- Georgia's impressive performance at the EM did not go unnoticed, with the DFB camp closely following their progress ahead of their showdown with Nagelsmann and his team.
- Following the rain-drenched victory against Denmark, Kai Havertz displayed nerves as he converted a penalty, contributing to Germany's advancement in the EM tournament.
- The DFB team's winning streak continues, as they remain unbeaten for eight games and have developed a high level of self-confidence, further fueling the hopes and excitement of fans across Germay.
