A Bit of History
In September last year, Jurgen Nagelsmann, the head coach of the German National Team, was in great spirits before the Bavarians were to take on Slovakia in Bratislava. It was a Group A World Cup qualifier, and Nagelsmann had announced that his team was good enough to win the World Cup.
The Loss To Slovakia…
What transpired in Bratislava was just the opposite. Slovakia handed Germany a crushing 2-0 defeat in a superb performance over the highly reputed but listless German Team. However, what transpired after this setback is important to understand.
… And A Brilliant German Fightback
Shook by the loss, the Germans fought back hard and won Group A, with 5 wins from 6 matches, getting the better of Slovakia in the reverse fixture. They also beat Northern Ireland and Luxembourg with ease, scoring 16 goals and conceding just 3.
The Football Powerhouse Had Woken Up
It indeed was a remarkable turnaround and had glimpses of a nation which had won the World Cup 4 times and, in no small measure, was a Football Powerhouse of the World.
Nagelsmann And His World Cup Squad
Jürgen Nagelsmann announced Germany’s World Cup Squad a few days ago, putting a formidable unit to undo the disappointments of the last two World Cups and give the Germans their due.
Neuer Returns As Kimmich Leads
The squad, led by Joshua Kimmich, the Bayern Munich star, has a fine blend of experience and youth, and surely, on paper at least, it looks a strong side. The return of Manuel Neuer in Goal will give lots of assurance to Nagelsmann in defence, with the legend still doing what he does best.
Rudiger, Tah & Schlotterbeck Make A Strong Defence
Antonio Rudiger, the burly defender ( who had a poor season with Real Madrid), Jonathan Tah of Bayern Munich and Nico Schlotterbeck of Borussia Dortmund complete a strong defence for Germany.
A Sublime Trio In The Midfield
I am more excited for the young trio of Florian Wirtz, Lennart Karl and Jamal Musiala manning the midfield. The three brilliant players are supremely talented, with Karl in particular having great speed and ball skills. He is the one to watch out for. A lot depends on the trio for Germany to fire.
Musiala’s Injury Concerns…
Musiala, who was brilliant at Euro 2024, suffered a terrible injury ( broken foot ) and has not played much for almost a year. His form may well be sketchy, which is a concern for Germany.
… And Florian Wirtz’s Poor Form
Florian Wirtz did not have a great season with Liverpool, either, after all the hype. In fact, it was a disappointing one, and his form will be seen to be believed when the Tournament begins. Pavlovic and Goretzka, the Bayern stars, along with the trio, lend great credence to a mighty German midfield.
The Attack Is A Concern
The attack, for me, however, is an area of concern for Germany. They lack an out-and-out striker, like Harry Kane. Kai Havertz has done well for Arsenal ( he scored a brilliant goal in the Champions League final) and will be critical for Germany’s chances.
Great Chance For Undav
Deniz Undav, who scored 19 goals for VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga, is a good bet for Nagelsmann, but he has yet to prove his worth in the International arena. With Fullkrug not selected, Nick Woltemade has a great opportunity to resurrect a poor season which he had with Newcastle.
An Easy Group To Play, For The Germans
Fortunately, the Germans are placed in Group E, which appears to be an easy group with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and debutants Curacao.
Campaign Begins on June 14 against Curacao
The campaign begins for Nagelsmann with Curacao on June 14 in Texas, and is followed by the Ivory Coast on June 20 in Toronto. The crucial one against Ecuador is in New Jersey on June 25.
A Question Still Looms
Germany should cross the Group stage. But how deep they advance is still a question to be answered.
I hope a Resurgence is well on the cards.
The Team
Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim), Alexander Nubel (Stuttgart)
Defenders: Joshua Kimmich (captain, Bayern Munich), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), David Raum (RB Leipzig), Jonathan Tah (Bayern Munich), Waldemar Anton (Borussia Dortmund), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Nathaniel Brown (Eintracht Frankfurt), Malick Thiaw (Newcastle United)
Midfielders: Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Florian Wirtz (Liverpool), Lennart Karl (Bayern Munich), Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart), Aleksandar Pavlovic (Bayern Munich), Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sane (Galatasaray), Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund), Nadiem Amiri (Mainz), Pascal Gross (Brighton and Hove Albion)
Forwards: Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Deniz Undav (Stuttgart), Jamie Leweling (Stuttgart), Nick Woltemade (Newcastle United), Maximilian Beier (Borussia Dortmund).
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