The 2024 Euros have kicked off as hosts Germany begin their campaign to become the fourth host nation to lift the European trophy.
After whopping Group A opponents Hungary and Scotland by a combined score of 7-1, Nagelsmann’s men are already through the group stages to the knock-out round of the 17th edition of the UEFA European Championship.
Led by wunderkinds Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala, reinforced by an experienced midfield featuring Tony Kroos and Ilkay Gündoğan, and defended by the ferocious Antonio Rüdiger and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, there seem to be few teams capable of slowing this German machine down.
With the knockout round imminent for the home of the Bundesliga, here are the Top Five Reasons Germany Will Win UEFA EURO 2024.
Germany’s Well-Balanced Combination of Youth and Experience Is Deadly
Just take a look at Germany’s starting line-up during their latest group-stage match. Champions League winners Kroos, Gündoğan, Rudiger, Kimmich, and Neuer, were all backing up one of the youngest, most exciting attacking trios in world football – Wirtz, Havertz, and Musiala.
And who do you get if you take out any of their top three? Funny you should ask – ze German’s attack is backed up by the likes of Leroy Sane, Niclas Füllkrug, and Serge Gnabry. The point is that Germany can score – but it’s their defense that will win them the Euro 2024.
Nagelsmann’s Back, Baby – And He Brought Blitzkrieg Football Back, Too
Not long after being replaced by Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich (a move Bayern has lived to regret), Julian Nagelsmann was picked up by the German National Team, replacing Hansi Flick, who took his talents to Barcelona.
Bayern’s attack under Nagelsmann was defined by what I call ‘Blitzkrieg football’, and I hope that doesn’t upset anyone. Germany’s attack under the young coach is no different – lightning-fast strikes and attacks, all game long, playing with an aggressive press and full blitz from start to finish. And with Germany ticking like they are so far, there isn’t a defense that can stop them.
Musiala and Wirtz Are In Top Form
Both 21-year-old wingers are coming off top seasons in major tournaments. Wirtz, under the direction of Xabi Alonso, helped lead Bayer Leverkusen to their first-ever German trophy with 11 goals and 11 assists in the Bundesliga alone. Not to be outdone, Musiala scored 12 Bundesliga goals with 7 assists and is currently leading the Euros top scorer race with 2.
And both of these guys are 21. People who are 21 don’t get tired or give up. They just keep going. And that young engine of talent is going to help drive Germany to the final.
Neuer Is the Berlin Wall
Even though Neuer’s stats are currently terrible due to a ferocious defense leading to a lack of sample data (he’s only faced two shots on goal all tournament – one saved, and one went in), saves like the above show why strikers will be far from through even if they do skirt past Rudiger and Kimmich.
And even if Neuer does have to come out for some reason – Barcelona’s Ter Stegen is waiting in the wings, chomping at the bits to get in the goal and lead Germany to a trophy.
Germany is Stronger Than All the Current Group Runners-Ups… Especially Group C
As seen above, Germany expects to play the runners-up of Group C in the quarter-finals, which is currently Denmark (and is likely to remain so). Even if it isn’t Denmark, it will probably be either Slovenia or Serbia, two teams that start with “S” and end with “ia” that Germany can easily defeat.
Even if they weren’t playing the Group C runner-up, Germany is well-positioned to beat most other second-place group teams – Switzerland, Slovakia, Portugal, Italy, and even France.
Okay. Maybe not FIFA World Cup runners-up France. But chances are, Germany could face one of these teams in a semi-final. And once the Germans get rolling, there’s not a team in Europe that can stop them from winning the Euro 2024 final.
Featured Image – Generated Image – Meta – DFB – Fair Use
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