Germany shocked France 2-1 on Tuesday to end its winless streak of five games.
Within the first five minutes of the game, versatile veteran Thomas Müller gave Germany the lead in front of an enthusiastic Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund.
Leroy Sané capitalized on a Kai Havertz ball to make it 2-0 as the game was winding down, and Antoine Griezmann’s late penalty gave the French supporters something to cheer about.
2-1 victory was much-needed. Before hosting the European Championships in the summer of next year, Germany must overcome its recent slump.
German problems
Germany entered the game in dire straits after losing its previous game in an embarrassing manner after being destroyed 4-1 by Japan in front of their home crowd.
The German Football Association (DFB) removed head coach Hansi Flick of his duties as a result, and national team director Rudi Völler took over temporarily.
Flick succeeded Joachim Löw as head coach in August 2021 following Germany’s humiliating early exit from the postponed 2020 European Championship.
Flick’s appointment did not go as expected, though. With the head coach in charge, Germany had only won four of its previous 16 games dating back to March 2022.
Germany was unexpectedly ousted in the group stages of the 2022 World Cup, the former Bayern Munich coach’s first international competition.
Germany only managed to win one game in Qatar, a 4-2 triumph over Costa Rica. In its other two games, it fell to Japan and drew with Spain.
Even if current Germany team is probably weaker than previous, more successful editions, the performances and results have fallen short of what one would expect from a global powerhouse.
Germany has three European Championship victories, and as the tournament’s hosts next summer, the squad will enjoy tremendous home support.
fresh starts
In response to Flick’s departure, DFB president Bernd Neuendorf said, “We need confidence and optimism in the country regarding our team going into the European Championship next summer.”
“I greatly respect Hansi Flick and his helpers on a professional and personal level, therefore this has been one of the hardest decisions I have had to make in this position.
The DFB had to make this decision because “sporting success is of the utmost importance to the DFB,” Neuendorf stated.
Völler, the team’s director, acknowledged that the DFB had lost patience with Flick.
The statement from Völler said, “The Japan game clearly showed us that we couldn’t carry on like this.”
The team needs a new coach who can give them a boost and get them ready for EURO 2024 the following year, so that will be our top priority.
Upcoming generation
Fans of Germany will be hopeful that a team comprised of some of its younger talents may defy the odds at the event the following year.
By the time the tournament rolls around, Jamal Musiala of Bayern Munich and Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen will undoubtedly be among the most crucial players for Germany.
Both players are under twenty years old and will be the face of the German national team for many years to come. A home European Championship will provide them with an opportunity to shine in front of a passionate home crowd.
It will be the responsibility of the new head coach to bring out the most in these gifted young players while also making the most of Germany’s seasoned stars.
Along with its wonderkids, seasoned talents Müller, Sané, and Serge Gnabry ought to produce an offense that, when used effectively, may seriously challenge the opposition’s sides.
“We hope the tournament can have a positive impact on both German football and the country as a whole,” Völler continued.
