German fans, deep down, may not have expected that their national team, after years of crisis and unconvincing performances, two consecutive eliminations from the World Cup group, will go all the way at this Euro.
That, however, will not ease their disappointment after their dramatic exit to Spain in the quarter-finals on Friday in Stuttgart.
It seemed that "Manšaft" did everything - absolutely everything, to at least take the exciting duel at the "MHP Arena" to penalties. And it would probably be the fairest epilogue to a match in which the Spanish showed their power in the first hour, leading 1:0 with Dani Olmo's goal, after which Germany dominated the field, equalized through Florian Wirz in the 89th, and then, it seemed, was closer to scoring in extra time than Spain.
However, the goal of reserve Mikel Merino in the 119th minute - a goal that did not have an announcement in the form of dominance, or "fury" chances - broke the hearts of German fans who were already ready for penalty-roulette.
- This was like flipping a coin. There was nothing, absolutely nothing, that would separate the two teams - former Scottish representative Ali McCoist told the BBC.
Roy Keane, the Irish legend, now a TV analyst, was surprised by Spain's victory, achieved a minute before the end of the second overtime.
"Soul, spirit, effort - all the momentum was on the German side. Did they deserve to win? Probably, by what they had in overtime. It was, however, like two heavyweight boxers swinging at each other. And the Spanish crochet arrived," said Kin.
German coach Julian Nagelsmann, 36 years old, and a coach with already serious experience in the Bundesliga (led Hoffenheim, Leipzig, Bayern), had a hard time coping with this relegation.
- It's hard to hold back tears. The boys didn't deserve to lose - especially not like this. This hurts and it will take time to heal.
Nevertheless, this kind of Germany left a much better image than the one that, four years ago - precisely against Spain in the League of Nations, experienced the heaviest defeat in history in competitive matches (6:0).
Nagelsman arrived before the Euros (September 2023) to try to get the shaken giants back on track. The Germans were not only eliminated in the group at the two previous World Cups, but also lost in friendly matches. Germany played a good tournament and it seems that the nuances were missing to go all the way.
- I have not been to any other championship, this is my first, but I was told that it was not always the case that the players left the national team camp with tears in their eyes after six weeks spent together - said Nagelsman, who is impatient and eager for new challenges.
- I will not live to see another Euro on home soil and it hurts me to wait two years before I become the world champion - he said to somewhat surprised journalists.
- What do you want me to say, that we will be eliminated in the first round? Of course we want to become world champions - added Nagelsman boldly.
The Germans are facing a change of generations, albeit a mild one, because young players have already become holders - Džamal Musijala, Florian Wirz among others. The legendary Toni Kroos said goodbye to football, Thomas Miller to the national team, probably Manuel Neuer too...
- We will be missing one pillar in the form of Toni Kroos - said Nagelsman.
- There is no point in undergoing any major overhaul, because we have a very good team, a basis for upgrading. My work will continue as it started, already from September and the League of Nations - added the German coach.
Reuters checked the mood among German fans, which, despite the painful relegation, is much better than before the start of the EP.
- It was a lot of fun to go from town to town, to feel the atmosphere, to see how many people were excited about the tournament - said cheerleader Kristina.
- We could have five more major tournaments with Virc and Musial - that's crazy. With them, our future is bright - added another fan, Konstantin.
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