Sports
Germany vs Scotland: Kroos, Fans, Key to Host Team’s Chances at Euro 2024
Germany – Key Euros Stats:
- Euro appearances: 13
- Euro Titles: 3
- Best finish: Winners (1972, 1980, 1996)
- Euros Record: W27 D13 L13
- Goals scored: 78
- Biggest win: 3-0 (most recent vs Slovakia in Euro 2016)
- Player to watch: Florian Wirtz
- World ranking: 16
- Euro 2024 Group Matches: Scotland (June 14), Hungary (June 19), Switzerland (June 23)
Germany is gearing up for Euro 2024 with renewed hope and energy. Under the leadership of Julian Nagelsmann, the team aims to replicate the inspiring performance of the youthful squad from the 2006 World Cup, which also took place in Germany. The team has undergone significant changes and is now ready to showcase its potential on home soil.
In 2006, Germany captured the nation’s imagination with an unexpected run to the semifinals. Similarly, the team looks forward to a strong campaign in 2024, building on the optimism from recent friendlies against France and the Netherlands. These victories have energized the fans and players alike, setting a positive tone for the tournament.
Despite recent struggles, including early exits in major tournaments and a coaching change, Germany is poised for a comeback. The team has shown resilience and adaptability under Nagelsmann, who has settled on an effective 4-2-3-1 formation. Key players like Jamal Musiala, Ilkay Gundogan, Florian Wirtz, and Kai Havertz have brought dynamism to the attack, while the defense has been solidified by Jonathan Tah and Antonio Rudiger.
Toni Kroos’s return from retirement has been a game-changer. His experience and skill have added balance to the team, allowing Gundogan to thrive in a more advanced role. Nagelsmann’s short-term contract has been extended until after the 2026 World Cup, reflecting the positive impact of his leadership.
The squad boasts a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, all in excellent form. The absence of Kristaps Porzingis has not hindered the team’s progress, and players like Havertz and Wirtz are coming off standout seasons with their clubs. Kroos and Rudiger have also been performing at the highest levels for Real Madrid.
As hosts, Germany will benefit from the passionate support of their fans. This home advantage, combined with the team’s recent momentum, will be crucial in navigating a challenging group that includes Switzerland, Scotland, and Hungary. A strong start will be essential for building confidence and momentum.
Germany’s Euro 2024 squad includes:
Captain: Ilkay Gundogan
Goalkeepers: Oliver Baumann (TSG Hoffenheim), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona)
Defenders: Waldemar Anton (VfB Stuttgart), Benjamin Henrichs (RB Leipzig), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Robin Koch (Eintracht Frankfurt), Maximilian Mittelstadt (VfB Stuttgart), David Raum (RB Leipzig), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen)
Midfielders: Robert Andrich (Bayer Leverkusen), Chris Fuhrich (VfB Stuttgart), Pascal Gross (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ilkay Gundogan (Barcelona), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Aleksandar Pavlovic (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sane (Bayern Munich), Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)
Forwards: Maximilian Beier (TSG Hoffenheim), Niclas Fullkrug (Borussia Dortmund), Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), Deniz Undav (VfB Stuttgart)
The excitement is building as Germany prepares to host Euro 2024, with the team and fans ready to embrace the challenge and strive for a successful tournament.
British tennis player Jack Draper has secured a spot in the Japan Open last 16 after defeating Italy’s Mattia Bellucci in straight sets. Draper, ranked world number 20, claimed a 6-4, 6-2 victory, marking his first win since his US Open semi-final loss to Jannik Sinner earlier this month.
The 22-year-old’s triumph in Tokyo comes as a welcome return to form following a challenging Davis Cup in Manchester, where he lost both of his singles matches to Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo and Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, contributing to Great Britain’s failure to reach the knockout stages.
After a tightly contested first set against world number 103 Bellucci, Draper dominated the second set, building a 5-1 lead before closing out the match. He will face Polish second seed Hubert Hurkacz in the next round on Friday.
Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Yerson Mosquera is expected to miss the remainder of the season following a serious knee injury sustained in Wolves’ 3-1 loss to Aston Villa. The 23-year-old Colombian twisted his knee after a collision with Villa’s Morgan Rogers in the 82nd minute and was stretchered off the pitch.
Scans confirmed that Mosquera suffered damage to both the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which will require surgery. Wolves’ head of high performance, Phil Hayward, said, “We will be visiting specialists to finalise the plan for surgery, and it’s highly unlikely he will feature again this season.”
Mosquera had been a key part of Wolves’ defense this season, starting all five Premier League games after returning from a loan spell at Villarreal. His absence further deepens Wolves’ defensive issues, as they did not secure a replacement for Max Kilman following his £40m move to West Ham.
Wolves, currently winless and sitting at the bottom of the Premier League, face Liverpool at home in their next match.
Raphael Varane, former defender for Real Madrid, Manchester United, and the French national team, has retired from professional football at the age of 31. Varane, who joined Italian side Como in July, sustained a knee injury on his debut, prompting his decision to step away from playing. He will remain at Como in a non-playing capacity.
In an emotional Instagram post, Varane wrote, “It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct,” explaining his desire to leave the sport on his own terms.
Varane began his career at Lens before a decade-long stint at Real Madrid, where he won 18 major trophies, including three La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns. He later joined Manchester United in 2021, making 95 appearances and winning the Carabao Cup in 2022.
Internationally, Varane earned 93 caps for France, winning the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 Nations League. Reflecting on his career, Varane expressed pride in both his achievements and staying true to his values.
He hinted at future projects with Como, adding, “Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon.” Varane has also been vocal about the dangers of head injuries in football, having played through concussions during his career, and he has called for better protection for players.
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Felix Meyer
July 8, 2024 at 8:26 pm
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