Speaking after the draw for Euro 2024, Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has provided his assessment of the teams they have drawn.
In Germany’s group are Scotland, Hungary and Switzerland with the hosts opening the tournament against Scotland in Munich next June. The following games are then against Hungary in Stuttgart and in the final game, they face Switzerland in Frankfurt.
On the group, Nagelsmann said: “It’s not a death group but a very interesting group and we’re looking forward to it. Now we know who we are playing against and have a very nice opening match against Scotland with a very emotional backdrop, both from the Scottish and the German fans, in a positive sense. I know some players from Switzerland and Portugal and have also worked with them.”
DFB sporting director Rudi Völler also provided his thoughts on the group: “We respect every opponent. I’m looking forward to the Scots. This will be a great fight, they will bring many fans, there will be a great atmosphere – and of course it will be demanding. Our focus must be on a good start. I am optimistic that we will play a good European Championship if we change a few things.”
The group Germany has been drawn into is particularly challenging considering Germany’s form in the past calendar year. Switzerland and Hungary are the same quality as the teams that Germany have lost to this season and both countries possess have their strengths whilst also possessing individuals who can cause issues for Germany’s defence.
While Scotland have grown as a team since the last Euros in 2021. In qualifying they were able to beat Spain showing that they can go toe to toe with some of the best teams on the continent, whilst the emotion of the opening game could potentially get to this Germany team and cause a slip-up.
With just over six months before the start of the Euros, Nagelsmann has a lot of work to do to nail down an identity for this German team or they could be faced with an embarrassing tournament.
GGFN | Jack Meenan
