The German national soccer team faces challenges during a practice match against Ukraine.
In the second-to-last Euro 2024 tournament tune-up, the German national soccer team remains winless. They put up a good fight against Ukraine, but the game ended in a 0-0 draw under coach Julian Nagelsmann. A new player battled for a spot while hopes for the return of Toni Kroos also lingered.
Excitement is high, but things aren't quite perfect just yet. Without veteran players Kroos and Antonio Rudiger, the German national team experienced a minor hiccup 11 days before the Euro 2024 kickoff match. In the Max-Morlock Stadium in Nuremberg, they had some promising movements to start, but it only resulted in a scoreless tie.
The energy from their wins against France (2-0) and the Netherlands (2-1) couldn't be sustained this time around. However, the German team under Nagelsmann still gave a good account of themselves against the unimpressive Ukrainians. Maximilian Beier, a fresh face who entered the game in the 59th minute, made a significant impact: He hit the post (61.) and came close to scoring against the Ukrainian goalkeeper (63.).
Beier turned out to be an energizing force in the final 30 minutes, as the German team tried desperately to emerge victorious in front of 42,789 spectators. After a shot from Chris Führich, the 21-year-old missed out on the coveted go-ahead goal once more (79%). The TSG Hoffenheim striker, who Nagelsmann is considering cutting from the squad, made it clear that he didn't want to be the one to let his team down.
Nagelsmann unleashes his Euro 2024 starting lineup
Nagelsmann and the players had already accomplished something before the game. Fans cheered enthusiastically as they awaited the action. A banner in the stands read, "You + us = A team for title No. 4." Another banner stretched across the entire grandstand, displaying a quote from a Sportfreunde Stiller song during the 2006 World Cup: "With heart in hand and passion in the leg..."
The atmosphere was electrifying during the warm-up, as all Ukrainian players carried their national flag over their shoulders. This sparked a flurry of cheers - and the game commenced without much fuss. With Pascal Groß playing in a similar role as Kroos, and Waldemar Anton filling in for defense leader Antonio Rudiger, the team took control of the Ukrainian half.
Kroos and Rudiger, two Champions League winners, will be available for the last test match on Friday evening (8:45 p.m./RTL and live on ntv.de) against the unqualified Greeks. In the Euro 2024 test match in Nuremberg, Nagelsmann played all nine players who will also appear in the opening game against Scotland on June 14 in Munich.
Relying on the usual intense coaching of Nagelsmann, the DFB team seized control in the Ukrainian half from the start. The first opportunity came after 15 minutes when Ilkay Gündoğan, after a pass from the strategic Groß, was set up for a header, but the timing wasn't spot-on. Gündoğan's new, elevated position demonstrated noticeable development.
Pavlovic, who replaced the injured Lukas Klostermann in the starting lineup, made his DFB debut as a menacing presence on the left wing, providing crosses and creating scoring chances for his teammates. His performance is a promising sign for the future.
Despite the lack of a goal, the German team exhibited great determination and synergy with all players contributing to the team's efforts. The coach was pleased with the performance and is anticipating the final test match before the Euro 2024 tournament.
In an aggressive tactic that also opened up opportunities for counterattacks, the German team enjoyed a strong showing for the better part of a half hour. However, the Ukrainians, although not a top-ranked team, couldn't be dismissed as mere sparring partners. So Manuel Neuer, back in the German goal since the 2022 World Cup and after a 550-day hiatus, made a remarkable save to thwart Roman Yaremchuk's attack (38th).
Nonetheless, the German team, with Rudiger and Kroos still sidelined, played well against a Ukrainian squad that's nowhere near the top teams in the world rankings. Goals seemed to be only a matter of time despite their dominance. At the half hour mark, Gross and Jamal Musiala both missed good scoring opportunities.
Owing to load management, Nagelsmann made half-time substitutions with Gündoğan and Florian Wirtz making an exit, giving way to Anton and Maximilian Mittelstädt. However, Germany's Kai Havertz failed to convert a clear chance (53rd), and Undav also missed scoring (53rd). Nagelsmann made more changes, bringing in Beier, Thomas Müller, and Pavlović as a second debutant.
Read also:
- Ilkay Gündogan showcased his improved position in the German national team's practice match against Ukraine, despite the game ending in a 0-0 draw under coach Julian Nagelsmann.
- Despite the absence of veterans Kroos and Rudiger, newcomer Maximilian Beier made a significant impact for the German national team in their Euro 2024 tune-up match against Ukraine.
- Koeman and Rudiger, two Champions League winners, will be available for the German team's final test match before the European Football Championship 2024 against the unqualified Greeks.
- Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, back in action for Germany since the 2022 World Cup, made a remarkable save to deny Roman Yaremchuk's attack during the practice match against Ukraine.
- Kai Havertz missed a clear chance and Undav also failed to score, as Nagelsmann made changes to the German team during their Euro 2024 preparation game against Ukraine.
- Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala both had good opportunities to score in the first half, but Germany couldn't find the back of the net against Ukraine in their Euro 2024 test match.
