World Cup winners Germany kick-off their Euro 2016 campaign against less-threatening Ukraine tomorrow. Joachim Löw and his side look to go two further than last year after they were knocked out in the semifinal by two quick fire goals from Headline act Mario Balotelli. Playmaker Mesut Özil made it a nervy last few minutes with a coolly-converted penalty, but as it turned out: the Azzurri got through to the Euro 2012 final in Kiev that year which they lost 4-0 to then-world champions Spain. Can the Germans emulate the feats of Del Bosque's charges? The last time the Germans won the European Championship was in 1996 after present USA coach Jürgen Klinsmann helped his side to victory with some impressive bits of finishing. With three successes in this competition, number four looks oh so definite on the cards.
After having a relatively smooth qualifying round in which they won seven out of 10 games and lost twice, 'Die Mannschaft' have all it takes to go all the way. Bookmakers pip them the most likely to emerge victorious in France this summer.
They virtually have all areas of the pitch filled with immense talent. From arguably the world's best goalie in Manuel Neuer to Bayern Munich defensive powerhouses in Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng, not to forget the midfield quartet of Sami Khedira, passing masters Toni Kroos and Mesut Özil, as well as German warrior and captain in Bastian Schweinsteiger. And oh, how can we forget World Cup heroes Mario Götze and Thomas Müller, as well as forward Supremo Mario Gomez and Köln legend Lukas Podolski? Joachim Löw, this is your chance: you virtually have no excuse whatsoever. Sadly though, Dortmund's own 'Robin' (Marco Reus) won't be available for this tournament, as he's pulled up again just like in 2014. It's a big blow, but they should be able to cope with it. A team whose game is hinged on quick passing and movement to tire the opposition out, and also having a knack of taking chances as we saw in that horrible night in the 2014 World Cup semifinal against the hosts. Nothing's left to be said about them taking chances. Surely not.
They are vulnerable when you get at them though, as Africans Ghana and Algeria, and also losing finalists Argentina showed us. Tournament under-performers England produced an outstanding comeback in the Olympiastadion after going two goals down against the Germans. During periods in that game, the Brits at times waltzed through Löw's defense. A more clinical side in this competition whoever they are, might just prolong the thirst 'for Die Vier'. In their last warm-up game against minnows Hungary, Germany were pretty pretty comfortable. We haven't said often that after their triumph in the Maracana. Worrying signs if you ask me.
They are vulnerable when you get at them though, as Africans Ghana and Algeria, and also losing finalists Argentina showed us. Tournament under-performers England produced an outstanding comeback in the Olympiastadion after going two goals down against the Germans. During periods in that game, the Brits at times waltzed through Löw's defense. A more clinical side in this competition whoever they are, might just prolong the thirst 'for Die Vier'. In their last warm-up game against minnows Hungary, Germany were pretty pretty comfortable. We haven't said often that after their triumph in the Maracana. Worrying signs if you ask me.
However, as we have seen in previous competitions: this team turn up when it matters. Since they lost to losing finalists Italy in the 2006 World Cup semifinal on home soil, the Germans have reached at least the semifinal stage in the last four tournaments (2008 & 2012 Euros, 2010 and 2014 World Cup). That's a statement to rising critics. No wonder they're nicknamed the German Machine.
The formation that suits them best is the 4-2-3-1 as we saw in their latest cup success in 2014: Benedikt Howedes is likely to fill in for Mats Hummels who is unfit at the moment and Emre Can in at right-back to try and fill the void left by retired captain Philipp Lahm. In midfield, Real Madrid's Toni Kroos would most likely drop back to partner with Sami Khedira as Bastian Schweinsteiger is still gaining match fitness. As recent lineups have shown, Julian Draxler might get the nod to start tomorrow on the left. If not, Wolfsburg teammate Andre Schürrle can also put in a shift there as both men have energy and are adept at creating chances. Özil is no stranger to creating chances given his astronomical records in the Barclays Premier League and also when he was at Real Madrid. Müller fits perfectly as Löw's trick up his sleeve as he can play upfront and also out wide on either the left or the right flank. He's also almost infinitely adept at finding the back of the net in tournaments. He's won the Golden boot twice in both World Cups that he's played in. Not so much in the Euros though, he's only played one. Mario Gomez, not so much a threat as his younger self, but he too could punish teams with his positioning and quick movement in front of goal. Whoever's picked tomorrow should be able to carry the weight of a European superpower's expectation and deliver.
''.... Schürrle, still full of running, and it's Götze!! It's Mario Götze!! It's Super Mario!!! He may just have won the World Cup for Germany!!!''
- Iain Darke (ESPN Commentator for the 2014 World Cup Final).
- Iain Darke (ESPN Commentator for the 2014 World Cup Final).
Will these words be repeated in the same vein come the 11th of July? We'll as we always can and do, eagerly anticipate the outcome. Whether you're on your sofa, in a pub or in the Stade Pierre-Mauroy tomorrow, get ready for a resounding introduction by 'La Mannschaft.'
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