What pitfalls await the DFB team? Who broadcasts?
Germany against Spain - the Kracher match of this European Football Championship is approaching. In the quarter-final (6pm/ARD, MagentaTV and in the ntv.de-Live ticker), old acquaintances face each other. A Spaniard wants to send Toni Kroos into retirement and then there are sneaky plans with tied shoelaces. Where you can watch the game and what the statistics say.
What is the statistical situation before the kick-off?
The German team is facing its 58th EM match. The 2:0 in the round of 16 against Denmark was already the 30th victory. Against Spain, the balance is even: Nine wins, nine draws and eight losses are in the balance of the German team against Spain. But: The last victory in official competition goes back 36 years. At the home EM 1988, there was a 2:0 in the group stage. Both goals in Munich's Olympic Stadium were scored by the current DFB sports director Rudi Völler. The last encounter took place at the WM 2022 in Qatar. Niclas Füllkrug scored the equalizer as a substitute at that time.
Positively, however: The home record is with seven wins, five draws and three losses on the German side.
Can the DFB team use the home advantage?
Captain Ilkay Gündogan relies on the loud support of the fans: "That can certainly be the deciding factor. We hope for that, we wish for that." In Stuttgart, the team had already won its second EM group stage game against Hungary (2:0). "The atmosphere in Stuttgart for the last game was already really good. Comparable to Dortmund", gushed Gündogan. One wants "to ignite the way we play and this atmosphere again. In the end, that can push us and make the Spaniards a little uncertain."
Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente disagreed: "On this level, the home factor is not a giant. My players are experienced enough not to be influenced by that. That's a normal environment for football."
What questions does the German coach have?
Julian Nagelsmann has not yet finally decided on his starting eleven. "There are still one or two question marks". The team needs "to discuss and weigh". The question of whether Leroy Sané or Florian Wirtz will start, he can answer, but does not want to. "If you can decide between Flo and Leroy, then that's fundamentally something good", said Nagelsmann. He is convinced by both players.
Wirtz had played all three group games in the starting line-up, but then Sane started in the round of 16 against Denmark. In defense, Jonathan Tah could return to the starting line-up after his yellow card suspension against Denmark, then Nico Schlotterbeck would have to take his place on the bench. Unclear is whether David Raum will start again on the left defensive side instead of the Stuttgart Maximilian Mittelstädt.
Who will make it?
Jamal Musiala against Lamine Yamal, the 21-year-old Musiala against the still 16-year-old Spanish talent, this is just a temptation during this power test with many exciting duels. "We won't pull them out, but we want the ball," Nagelsmann said regarding the defense of the Spanish exceptional talent. The national coach also added: "My focus is less on Yamal than on Musiala." Pass machine Kroos against Spain's midfield genius Rodri. Joshua Kimmich against the brilliant left-back Nico Williams with the striking hairstyle. Or also the goalkeeper duel: Germany's quarterfinal specialist Manuel Neuer against Unai Simon from Athletic Bilbao. It's about finesse, nuances, about decisive moments now.
What keeps the Spanish coach busy?
Before the big match, de la Fuente also tests creative defensive strategies - especially with regard to exceptional players like Toni Kroos and Jamal Musiala. "I don't know if we can bind their families together. I suspect the UEFA would have something against it. I have to talk to them again." Kroos, who was with Real Madrid for ten years until recently, deserves respect from the Spaniards. "We know that he can play the ball anywhere," said de la Fuente: "Therefore, we must prevent him from getting it at all." Kroos has had a big influence on his teammates from the midfield pivot: "When someone stands on the pitch with such self-confidence and charisma, it makes the colleagues feel safer."
Does statistics friend Nagelsmann have a pound on his side?
Yes, everyone will have to put in extra effort for this game. Because in one category, the German team is clearly better than its opponent. The penalty shootout has been a German domain at the World and European Championships for decades. Only at the EM final debut in 1976 in Belgrade, after Uli Hoeneß's shot into the night sky against Czechoslovakia, was there a loss. There followed six successes from the 1982 World Cup to the 2016 European Championship. Only five of the 37 penalties were missed by the German shooters. Spain, on the other hand, has a balanced record with five wins and five losses. Surprisingly: In the last three tournaments, the World Cup 2018, the European Championship 2021, and the World Cup 2022, they were eliminated each time through a harsh decision from the referee.
Are there private feuds?
David Raum joked that he had blocked Dani Olmo's phone number. But the Spanish player responded in the "Süddeutsche Zeitung": "I can officially deny that David Raum blocked my phone number. That's not true! But in earnest: We have a very good relationship and joke with each other," explained the 26-year-old. "We said: May the better one win! But we have exchanged a few mutual warnings: Don't come to my side ... Not that we misunderstand each other: That happens on the basis of true friendship," Olmo added. He is also closer to Nagelsmann, with whom he made his Leipzig debut in 2020. "It's been a while since we last met during his time at FC Bayern. He is a coach who knows me very well and I know him well. There are some aspects of his playing style that are familiar to me. But during the EM, we didn't have any contact," Olmo said.
What does the game mean for Toni Kroos?
The situation is clear: If the German team loses, Kroos' career is over. His 114th international appearance could be his last. It's something special that it could go this far against his adopted home country, Spain. Kroos, who had switched to Real Madrid ten years ago and still lives in Madrid after his contract ended on July 1, was in agreement with Spanish teammate and former Real teammate Dani Carvajal, "to retire Toni Kroos."
What does the day look like for the DFB team?
The early kick-off time leads to a tight schedule for Julian Nagelsmann's preparation for the EM quarterfinal against Spain. The breakfast buffet for the German national team is still unchanged and ready until 10 am. Afterwards, Nagelsmann invites the team to a final briefing, where plans for standard situations are the focus. Then follows the so-called activation, which means moderate physical activity, usually with gymnastics or exercises on fitness equipment.
For 12:30 pm, lunch is scheduled at the team hotel at the airport. Those who want to refill their energy stores again can do so at 2:30 pm with the pre-match meal. At 3:30 pm, Nagelsmann gives final instructions before the team bus sets off for the approximately 18 kilometer long journey to the stadium. Different from the group game against Hungary (2:0), the German team does not stay in the hotel in the city center this time, but in a hotel at the airport. As the formal home team, the Spaniards were able to choose their hotel first, leaving the DFB with the second option.
Where can I watch the game?
All games at this European Championship can be seen on MagentaTV. The streaming service starts broadcasting at 4 pm for the game against Spain. The game is also shown on ARD, the public broadcaster, starting at 5 pm. Kick-off in Stuttgart is then at 6 pm.
The German coach, Julian Nagelsmann, is facing some tough decisions before the game against Spain. He mentioned having "one or two question marks" about his starting lineup, specifically regarding Leroy Sané and Florian Wirtz.
Toni Kroos, a key player for Germany, is a major focus for the Spanish coach, Luis de la Fuente. De la Fuente stated that they need to prevent Kroos from getting the ball, given his exceptional abilities.
In the past, Germany has had an impressive record in penalty shootouts during major tournaments, while Spain has a more balanced record. This could potentially come into play if the game goes into extra time or penalties.
