Germany eye title as fans get ready for Euro 2024 party

BERLIN – Germany begin their quest for a first major title in a decade, as the Euro 2024 hosts play their Group A opener against Scotland on June 14 to kick off the tournament and what they hope will be a month-long party.

The Germans have won four World Cups and three European Championships, but their stellar tournament reputation has been somewhat tarnished by a series of failures since their 2014 World Cup victory in Brazil.

They went out of the next two World Cups in the group stage and exited the last Euro in the round of 16.

With Euro 2024 on home soil, there is only one outcome that will satisfy Germany’s fans, who are desperate for the success they once took for granted – winning the title.

Despite their 2022 World Cup disappointment, a string of terrible results since – including a 4-1 friendly defeat at home by Japan in September 2023 – and a change of coach, the team still have their eyes on the big prize.

Coach Julian Nagelsmann, who took over in September 2023, has made that clear.

“We want to win it,” said the 36-year-old, whose side will also face Hungary and Switzerland in Group A.

“It’s the same in all other tournaments.

“There is already the expectation that we will do better than we have in recent years, and our fans are excited to have the tournament on home soil.

“It’s probably not best for us to make this big claim that we’re going to become European champions.

“But we will face up to the task. It is a huge task, it will be challenging.”

His team are banking on a mix of talented young players, including Jamal Musiala, 21, and Bundesliga champion Florian Wirtz, 21, and veterans such as 2014 World Cup winners Manuel Neuer, 38, Thomas Muller, 34, and Toni Kroos, 34.

The big question remains their scoring ability with Arsenal’s Kai Havertz, far from a natural No. 9, being their first-choice striker. Burly forward Niclas Fullkrug will be on the bench.

Germany will need to underline those big ambitions against the Scots, who are playing in back-to-back European Championships for the first time since 1996.

Scotland, clear underdogs, are hoping for an early upset that could help guide them past the group stage for the first time in 12 international tournaments.

“This squad have been fantastic for me and fantastic for their country and now they have a chance to create a bit of history, so let’s see if we can do that,” said coach Steve Clarke.

“We will need top-level performances against good teams, and play to our maximum in the three group games.”

Neither of his preferred options at right-back, Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson, made the preliminary squad due to injury, while Lewis Ferguson, who won Serie A’s Bulgarelli No. 8 Award with Bologna, is also sidelined.

A recent training ground injury ruled Lyndon Dykes out, with Southampton’s Che Adams and Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland the only recognised strikers left available.

But it is from midfield that Scotland scored the goals that propelled them to Germany. Aston Villa captain John McGinn and Manchester United’s Scott McTominay combined for 10 of Scotland’s 17 goals in qualifying.

At the back, there is also English Premier League pedigree in Liverpool’s Andy Robertson and Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney.

As Euro 2024 prepares for kick-off, Germany are banking on a wave of enthusiasm from their own fans as well as an estimated 2.7 million visitors for the June 14-July 14 event.

Large fan zones have been set up across all major cities, including Berlin’s massive fan space, stretching from the iconic Brandenburg Gate far into the west of the city.

Thousands of police will be deployed around the clock in an attempt to head off potential threats from Islamists, hooligans, violent individuals and cyberattacks.

Nagelsmann, however, is hoping that there will still be a good atmosphere, with safety in mind.

“The fans of the other teams should take part too, turn the streets into big peaceful party zones, where European teams can celebrate football together and hopefully watch lots of good games,” he said. REUTERS, AFP