Niclas Fullkrug wins public vote to start for Germany in last 16
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Germany's Niclas Fullkrug has two goals from three attempts at Euro 2024.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Follow topic:
FRANKFURT – The people have spoken and it is not good news for Germany forward Kai Havertz, who faces a battle to hold on to his starting place in their Euro 2024 last-16 clash on June 29 with rival Niclas Fullkrug in good form.
The Germans qualified for the next stage as Group A winners, and will take on Denmark in Dortmund.
German newspaper Bild ran a poll of who should start between misfiring attacker Havertz and Fullkrug, who has come off the bench to score twice for the tournament hosts, including a last-gasp equaliser against Switzerland on June 23.
With more than 160,000 votes cast, 90 per cent of fans are in favour of Fullkrug starting against the Danes, a clear message to coach Julian Nagelsmann.
A quick look at the numbers paints its own picture. Havertz has 10 attempts on goal so far, but he has only a penalty against Scotland to show for his efforts.
Fullkrug is less mobile than the Arsenal forward, but he is big, strong and good in the air.
He has two goals from his three attempts at Euro 2024, can hold up the ball and bring Germany’s array of skilful attacking midfielders and wingers into the play.
“Fullkrug has a chance to start, but Kai has the same chances,” Nagelsmann said before he knew who their next opponents were, meaning he will make a decision based on what he feels is needed, rather than the player’s form.
“Kai had three good chances (against Switzerland), and he was annoyed that he didn’t take two. He still played a good game. Fullkrug provides arguments for both things. To continue to act as a substitute because he does it really well. Or to play from the start. It is both a joy and a sorrow for him that he fulfils the (substitute) role well.”
Borussia Dortmund forward Fullkrug, 31, was a latecomer to international football, having made his debut only in 2022.
He has netted 13 goals in 19 internationals, six as a starter, and averages a goal every 58 minutes in a Germany shirt.
Havertz, 25, debuted for the national team in 2018 and has 17 goals in 49 games, one every 182 minutes.
It is a clear choice, as the poll has shown, but it all depends on Nagelsmann in the end.
Germany won two games and drew one in the group phase, extending their unbeaten run to seven matches dating back to November. They are seeking to win their first major title since the 2014 World Cup. REUTERS
