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Germany vs Scotland: Kroos, Fans, Key to Host Team’s Chances at Euro 2024

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Kroos
All eyes will be on Germany's Toni Kroos as he tries to lead the home nation to a surprise championship at Euro 2024 [Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters].

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.

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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.

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Germany’s Euro 2024 squad includes:

Captain: Ilkay Gundogan

Goalkeepers: Oliver Baumann (TSG Hoffenheim), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona)

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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)

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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.

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  1. Felix Meyer

    July 8, 2024 at 8:26 pm

    Having read your posts. I believed you have given your readers valuable information. Thanks for sharing.

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Warren Gatland to Step Down as Wales Head Coach

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Warren Gatland to Step Down as Wales Head Coach

Warren Gatland is set to leave his role as Wales head coach after a record-breaking 14 consecutive Test match defeats, bringing an early end to his second tenure in charge.

Although the 61-year-old was contracted until the 2027 Rugby World Cup, he was already expected to step down after the Six Nations. Now, his departure will come midway through the tournament, with Wales still set to face Ireland on 22 February in Cardiff, Scotland on 8 March, and England on 15 March.

Possible successors include former Australia coach Michael Cheika, Glasgow’s Franco Smith, and Ireland interim boss Simon Easterby.

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Gatland, who enjoyed a highly successful 12-year first stint with Wales—winning three Grand Slams and leading the team to two World Cup semi-finals—returned in December 2022 to replace Wayne Pivac. However, his second tenure has been marred by poor performances, with Wales suffering their worst losing streak in 144 years of international rugby. The 22-15 loss to Italy last weekend cemented their decline, dropping them to 12th in the world rankings.

In total, Gatland has overseen 151 Tests across both spells, with 76 wins, 73 losses, and two draws. His recent record stands at just six victories in 26 matches, a win ratio of only 23%.

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Tiger Woods Withdraws from Genesis Invitational Following Mother’s Passing

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Tiger Woods Withdraws from Genesis Invitational Following Mother's Passing

Tiger Woods has pulled out of this week’s Genesis Invitational, stating he is “still processing” the recent death of his mother, Kultida Woods.

The 15-time major champion, who had initially planned to participate, announced his withdrawal on social media, saying, “I planned to tee it up this week, but I’m just not ready. I did my best to prepare, knowing it’s what my mom would have wanted, but I’m still processing her loss.”

Woods’ mother, Kultida, passed away on February 4. Just days later, tournament organizers had confirmed Woods’ participation in the event, which is now being held at Torrey Pines instead of its usual Riviera Country Club venue due to wildfires in Los Angeles.

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Woods has not played a PGA Tour event since The Open at Royal Troon last July. His competitive appearances have been sporadic since a 2021 car accident left him with severe leg injuries, and he underwent additional back surgery in September. Most recently, he played alongside his son, Charlie, in a 36-hole event in December and participated in an exhibition for the Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL), which he co-founded.

As the tournament host, Woods hopes to attend the Genesis Invitational later in the week but has not committed to a specific timeline. The event benefits his TGR Foundation, which supports youth education initiatives.

Fans and fellow players have expressed their condolences and support for Woods as he navigates this difficult time.

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Tottenham’s Radu Dragusin Suffers Season-Ending ACL Injury

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Tottenham's Radu Dragusin Suffers Season-Ending ACL Injury

Tottenham Hotspur defender Radu Dragusin has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in his right knee. The 23-year-old sustained the injury during Spurs’ Europa League clash against Elfsborg last week and will undergo surgery.

Dragusin is expected to be sidelined for at least six months, though recovery from ACL injuries can sometimes extend to a year. Tottenham confirmed that their medical team will monitor his rehabilitation to determine his return timeline.

The Romanian international had become a key figure for Spurs, starting 21 of their last 23 games. His absence adds to an already extensive injury list, which includes Destiny Udogie, Guglielmo Vicario, James Maddison, Brennan Johnson, Timo Werner, Wilson Odobert, Cristian Romero, and Dominic Solanke. However, Micky van de Ven and Ben Davies have recently returned to action.

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Dragusin joined Tottenham from Genoa in January 2024 in a £25 million deal. To bolster their defensive options, Spurs signed Austria international Kevin Danso on loan for the remainder of the season, with an option to buy for £21 million. They also made an ambitious £70 million bid for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, which was rejected, but secured the signing of 19-year-old attacker Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich.

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