European Football Championship
“Outstanding” European Championship start with big winners
Germany’s fans celebrate their team. Photo
© Christian Charisius/dpa
Was that the start of a new summer fairytale? The 5:1 win against Scotland sparked European Championship euphoria in Germany, even if it was only a “first step”. But one that is good for everyone.
That was good for everyone. The national players, the national coach and of course the millions of football fans across the country.
The first big European Championship party with the 5-1 (3-0) win against Scotland awakens hopes and dreams after the three botched tournaments in 2018, 2021 and 2022 – of a wonderful football summer with the DFB team, which ideally lasts until July 14, the day of the final in Berlin.
“This is an outstanding start to what we want in the end – a summer fairytale,” said goalscorer Niclas Füllkrug in the Munich Arena, remembering the original at the home World Cup 18 years ago. National coach Julian Nagelsmann spoke of “a good and important step.” But like his players, he made a significant addition: It was just “the first step.”
“This is a foundation on which we can build,” said Nagelsmann, looking ahead to the group matches against Hungary and Switzerland. The high-scoring opening match against Scotland had many winners – and some particularly big winners.
The national coach
Julian Nagelsmann’s radical reorientation in the European Championship year was a complete success in the opening game. The restructuring of the squad, the clear allocation of roles, the early decision on a dream eleven and, last but not least, the return of Toni Kroos made a difference in a team that was notoriously unsuccessful and had lost fans at times.
The team and the coach have come together to form a tight-knit unit. “As a head coach, you have to give energy. And the team gives me a lot of energy back,” said Nagelsmann happily and proudly after his most important victory to date. For him, it was, as he stressed, a product of the community and not primarily of a few outstanding individuals.
“The community is supposed to get the masses emotional. And the community won the game. And the community ensured that football Germany believed in us even more than it did before the game,” he said. After this explosive start to the tournament, more people will certainly believe in him too.
The offensive
In the recent past, the effectiveness in front of the opponent’s goal has often been a flaw of the DFB team. A constant theme. Against Scotland, the offensive players were particularly sharp. “It was important that we scored a lot of goals, and distributed them,” said Nagelsmann after the goals by the offensive players Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz (penalty) and Niclas Füllkrug as well as by midfielder Emre Can. “We want to take the flow into the next game,” said the outstanding Musiala.
The captain
Much was said and written about Ilkay Gündogan during the tournament preparations. The 33-year-old’s role was questioned, even his permanent position in the starting eleven. The captain responded on the pitch against Scotland with many strong actions.
Among other things, he set up the 2-0 with a great pass to Kai Havertz. Before his goal to make it 3-0, he won the penalty and the red card. “I’m glad that I was able to make my teammates better today,” said Gündogan after his 78th international match, which was also a statement on his own behalf. “I’m extremely happy with Ilkay’s performance,” said Nagelsmann. He is spared an annoying debate.
The fans
Just 21 minutes had been played and Germany was leading 2-0 when the German fans sang “Oh, how beautiful it is” for the first time. After three botched tournaments since 2018, there was no anticipation of the European Championship for a long time in the country of the four-time world champion and three-time European champion. At times there was even an alienation between fans and the national team.
The audience is only too happy to celebrate its new favorites like Musiala and Wirtz. And the players want to enjoy this home tournament together with the spectators. “It was a great thing with the fans behind us,” said Dortmund’s Can. In the fan zones, in front of the televisions, this European Championship opener was celebrated everywhere. In the Munich Arena, people were “completely detached” after the final whistle when Major Tom blared from the loudspeakers. “It’s a lot of fun with the team,” said Nagelsmann. The fans too.