The Germans are enjoying their best start to a major competition in a decade, tonight in Frankfurt against Switzerland (21 p.m.) try to achieve their third victory in the third match of the group stage and secure the first place in group A, and a potentially easier rival in the round of 16.
The modest expectations of many German fans before the tournament were heavily influenced by a string of poor results during 2023 (two draws and even six defeats in 11 friendlies), but after an atomic start to Euro 2024 - 5:1 against Scotland, 2:0 against Hungary , everything changed.
And expectations, and predictions.
Olaf Ton, the legendary German national team player, world champion in 1990, scorer of the unforgettable goal at the Euro against Denmark in 1988 in his city - Gelsenkirchen, believes that Elf is a serious candidate for winning the title.
- Last year I predicted that Germany would not get far, but based on the group stage games and the performances of other good teams such as Spain and France, I would say that we can definitely keep up with them - Ton said to the German station Sport 1.
- We have the advantage of the home field, with the fans as the 12th player... And now I believe that everything is possible. We can win the title - said Ton.
One of the prerequisites for Germany's potential championship journey is first place in Group A. For that, a point against Switzerland is enough for Julian Negalesman's team.
- First place is important. We want to win all our matches - said Nagelsman.
Position A1 brings a match in the round of 2 against the runner-up in group B, where England, Denmark, Slovenia and Serbia are. Position AXNUMX leads to the completely different side of the "skeleton" and brings a collision with the runner-up from group C, which could be Italy, possibly Croatia.
That's why Germany wants the first place, and Nagelsman is in a dilemma - whether, and how many footballers, spare the obligations and rest them for the knockout phase.
Judging by his statements after the victory in Hungary, there won't be too many changes.
- I think it is important to have as many players from the starting 11 on the field as possible so that we can stay in rhythm - he said.
- Don't expect seven changes in the team. I can turn that off right now.
Brighton's Pascal Gross could start in midfield, in front of the defense in place of Robert Andrich, but Nagelsman is clearly not ready to underestimate the Swiss.
"Sajdžija" would win first place with a triumph, a point would mathematically take them to the knockout phase from second position, while with a defeat they could be third only in case of a convincing victory of Scotland against Hungary.
- We know that we are now facing a team of a different caliber with their super attack and all the euphoria that comes with hosting a major competition - said Switzerland forward Xherdan Shaqiri.
- But we enter the game with great confidence and we are looking forward to it. Obviously we can make a problem for the Germans. That is clear.
Probable lineups - Switzerland (3-4-2-1): Zomer - Scher, Akanji, Rodríguez - Widmer, Xhaka, Freyler, Ebischer - Ndoje, Vargas - Embolo.
Germany (4-2-3-1): Neuer - Kimich, Ta, Ridiger, Mittelstadt - Gross, Kroos - Musiala, Gindogan, Wirtz - Havertz.
Bonus video:
