European Championship quarter-finals - With pink hair in the maturity test against the Furia Roja
The Germans fearless fighters, but sweat of anxiety breaks out for Toni Kroos and Jamal Musiala among the German EM footballers. At the final training before the ultimate qualifying exam at the home tournament, Robert Andrich, the constant brave fighter, no longer appeared platinum blonde but with pink dyed hair. Was it a small message to the Furia Roja, the red fury, the name of the Spanish national team?
Strength shown, signs set, chest out: before the kick-off of the best team-especially manned quarterfinal match on Friday (18.00 Uhr/ARD and MagentaTV) in Stuttgart, the German EM party should not abruptly end but go louder and more euphoric into the last tournament week.
Musiala: We will do everything for the country
Surprisingly, young star Jamal Musiala went verbally ahead. "We will do everything for the country, for the trainer team, for all of us who can win the title. That's our motivation," Musiala, the three-time scorer, said full of determination to Sky.
Musiala against Yamal, the 21-year-old Musiala against the Spanish megatalent Lamine Yamal, who is only a distraction at this power test with many exciting duels. Pass machine Kroos against Spain's midfield genius Rodri. Joshua Kimmich against the brilliant left-wing 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.
Have six weeks since the start of preparations in Thuringia Blankenhain been enough to form a German tournament team again that has grown so closely with the fans that it can overcome all opposition and relentlessly march towards the final coronation in Berlin? Julian Nagelsmann has preached new faith in his squad since his radical squad overhaul after the eye-opening 0:2 against Austria in November 2023 in now eight unbeaten international matches.
"Keep your heads up"
"They are slowly realizing how good they are," said the 36-year-old contentedly after the lightning-and-thunder victory against Denmark about his players, who could finally shed the heavy burden of the Euro tournaments 2018, 2021 and 2022. "Keep your heads up," said defense chief Antonio Rudiger to "Kicker" about the attitude difference, when it comes to overcoming difficult phases together on the pitch. Joshua Kimmich does not believe that "the Spaniards were particularly happy to draw us in the quarterfinals."
Nagelsmann spoke strongly to his team in the spring, when doubts in the country were still great. "Above all, I want the team to be rewarded for what they can do. That's my main motivation," said the national coach before the first ball rolled in the EM stadiums. Now it's Nagelsmann's turn to win a tournament game against the proud Spaniards after 36 years; whether after 90 minutes, after extension or even in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Kroos, Gündogan, Rüdiger in focus against Spain
The royal Kroos, who did not want to be sent into football retirement by the Spaniards after his triumphant finish in Real Madrid's kit as national champion and Champions League winner, spoke of "another belief" in the DFB team that he found upon his return in March with great uncertainty. "Hungary, Switzerland, Denmark - we see our steps," said the 34-year-old before his last, penultimate or third-last game of his career: "I see us prepared!"
Kroos (34), Gündogan (33), Rüdiger (31), the three U30 routine players from Real and Barcelona must lead the way as pivotal players against the previous all-conquering teams from their homeland. Croatia (3:0), Italy (1:0), Albania (1:0) with a B team and Georgia (4:1) - no previous EM opponent has grown to the might of Spanish possession football.
Saneé or Wirtz, that is the big question
It will be decisive for ball possession, dominance, and control of the game. "There are many positions where this game will be decided," said Kroos. For the anchor of the German game, however, it is clear: "Such games will be decided in the middle." Calm, control, stability, these are the factors that Kroos brings like no other, noted Leroy Sané: "He took our weakness completely away from us."
Saneé or Florian Wirtz? That is the biggest personnel question, which also continued to be discussed among all 26 players after the final training session and which Nagelsmann may not resolve until late. Saneé stands for tempo, Wirtz for more ball possession strength and more solutions from the middle of the game in the offensive combination with Gündogan, Musiala and Kai Havertz. Besides defensive chief Rüdiger, Jonathan Tah is expected to return after serving a yellow card suspension. And the powerful David Raum could receive the order to contain Teenie-Star Yamal.
"To be at this level at 16 is really insane," said Germany's Jamal about Spain's Yamal. "At 16, I still didn't have the physical prerequisites to train with the professionals," Musiala admitted impressively. "That's really cool to see." Of course: In Stuttgart, more Jamal than Yamal and even more Germany than Spain should shine.
- Toni Kroos and Jamal Musiala, key players for Germany's EM team, experienced cold sweats of anxiety before their match against Spain.
- Robert Andrich, a constant fighter for the German team, changed his hair color to pink, potentially sending a message to Spain's national team, the Furia Roja.
- The quarterfinal match against Spain is anticipated to be the highlight of Germany's best-manned team in the EM tournament, taking place in Stuttgart at 18:00 Uhr/ARD and MagentaTV.
- Jamal Musiala expressed his commitment to the German team, stating they will do everything to win the title and bring joy to their supporters.
- Musiala will face Spain's megatalent Lamine Yamal, while Joshua Kimmich tackles the impressive left-wing Nico Williams.
- The goalkeeper duel between Manuel Neuer and Unai Simon from Athletic Bilbao is expected to be a crucial factor in the match.
- After a 6-week preparation period, it remains uncertain if Germany can successfully form a tournament team capable of overcoming all opponents and reaching the final coronation in Berlin.
- Toni Kroos has expressed a renewed belief in the squad, particularly after the impressive victory against Denmark in now eight unbeaten international matches.
- Gündogan, Kroos, and Rüdiger are key players expected to lead the team against Spain, who have previously shown dominance against EM opponents.
- Leroy Sané has praised Kroos for neutralizing their weaknesses, and the decision between Saneé and Florian Wirtz will likely impact the team's ball possession and offensive strategies.
- Germany's Jamal Musiala admires Spain's young talent Yamal, despite the rivalry between the two countries in the EM tournament.
- The ultimate test for both Germany and Spain will be their quarterfinal match in Stuttgart, with the winner advancing to the semifinals and edging closer to the European Championship title.
