180 minutes. Germany did not need more to completely change the mood towards the European Championship in their own country. Thanks to the return of conductor Toni Kroos and 2 convincing victories, the Germans suddenly believe in their chances again. “Let the European Championships come!”, they say.
It can change. Barely a week ago, no one really took Germany into account, which will host the European Championships next summer.
2023 was therefore a particularly difficult year for the Germans. A negative series was started in March of last year by our Red Devils, who won 2-3 in Cologne.
What followed completely destroyed the European Championship hopes of the German fans: defeats against Poland, Colombia, Japan, Turkey and Austria. No, this Germany would not compete for the prizes at Euro 2024.
What Toni Kroos showed against France was incredible. He has a huge influence on our game.
national coach Julian Nagelsmann
But look: two successful friendly matches and the return of Toni Kroos later, the Germans are living in hope again. On Saturday, Germany recorded a 0-2 win in France, last night the Netherlands lost 2-1.
Conductor Kroos – brought back to the team after announcing his retirement from the national team in 2021 – handed over his calling card this weekend in France, insofar as that was still necessary for someone with his track record.
“What he showed was incredible,” national coach Julian Nagelsmann exulted after the match against France. “He set the pace of the match and worked very hard. Moreover, he gives the rest of the team so much confidence. He has a huge influence on our game.”
Something has arisen in the past week that was not there before.
prodigal son Toni Kroos
Last night after the win against the Netherlands, it was Kroos himself who spoke about Germany’s metamorphosis. “Something has emerged in the past week that was not there before,” the 34-year-old midfielder noted.
“A few months ago we would probably have collapsed after that early 1-0 against the Netherlands. But not now. We showed fighting spirit and team spirit. We gained self-confidence. They were two very good games.”
Confidence has returned to the Germans, perhaps not coincidentally with the return of Kroos. That makes the nation dream again. And the German press too. “In 4 days the mood has completely changed. The spark has gone back to the fans,” Kicker writes today. And at Bild they really like it: “Let the European Championship come!”
It can indeed change.
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