8’ — Sub: Dani Olmo subbed on for the injured Pedri, who seems to have been targeted by Toni Kroos.
Kickoff: We’re underway!
One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! Looks like Julian Nagelsmann has opted to mix things up, with Emre Can added to the starting XI next to Toni Kroos. Leroy Sané, meanwhile, takes the place of Florian Wirtz, while Niclas Füllkrug continues to take a back seat to Kai Havertz. It’s a risk — will it pay off for the Germans?
Euro 2024 is already a success, as far as the Germans are concerned. Before the tournament, the goal was to reach the quarter-finals — Julian Nagelsmann and his team have passed that bar with flying colors. This makes Euro 2024 the most successful tournament for Germany since Euro 2016, which was almost a decade ago.
Getting here was not easy, though recent scorelines may hide that fact. Germany had to find a new way to win and stick with it — which, to Nagelsmann’s credit, he has pulled off superbly thus far. Presumably learning lessons from his stint at Bayern Munich, the 36-year-old has found his best XI and stuck with it. It’s brought consistency back to the German game, allowing them to get this far.
Against Spain, however, any weaknesses the Germans may have will be ruthlessly exposed. Key players like Jamal Musiala and Toni Kroos — linchpins of the attack and midfield respectively — will be targeted. Nagelsmann either must look for a new angle or push his team to another level entirely. If not, then the German dream of a European final on home soil will end prematurely, with only the bare minimum being satisfied.
Can they do it?
While you’re waiting for the game, why not check out our preview podcast? Listen to it below or on Spotify.
Location: MHP Arena, Stuttgart, Germany
Time: 6:00 pm local time, 12:00 pm EST
TV/streaming: Find Your Country
Check out our beginners thread if you have any more questions. That’s about it. Auf geht’s!
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