National team
Nagelsmann chases substitutes: autographs for fans
Emre Can signs autographs after training in Herzogenaurach. Photo
© Federico Gambarini/dpa
The day after the early entry into the round of 16, only the substitutes have to go to the training ground. They practice in front of a small audience. Musiala, Gündogan and Co. can take a breather.
There was applause and cheering, and DFB President Bernd Neuendorf and Adidas CEO Björn Gulden were among the training guests. Julian Nagelsmann, who had cycled to the pitch, spoke for a long time with Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck. At the end, striker Deniz Undav and his colleagues signed lots of autographs, and Thomas Müller sat on the grass leaning against the goalpost and talking on his cell phone.
No rotation against Switzerland
The regulars from the 2-0 win in the second European Championship match against Hungary were able to relax and take a breather. The direct duel for group victory is already scheduled for Sunday (9 p.m./ARD and MagentaTV) in Frankfurt against Switzerland. A draw would be enough for the DFB selection to take first place after the Swiss could only manage a 1-1 draw in their second preliminary round match against Scotland.
Nagelsmann has declared winning the group to be the next milestone. It has a different effect internally and externally, “whether you come first or second,” he stressed. In order to continue the maturation process, he is not planning any rotation, but wants to stick consistently with his starting eleven. “I do believe that it is important that we have as many players from the first eleven on the pitch as possible, just to get into the rhythm,” explained the national coach. According to the DFB, there are no injuries that prevent us from playing.
Four players threatened with round of 16 ban
However, the number of players at risk of a possible suspension in the round of 16 has doubled to four. Jonathan Tah and Robert Andrich were both shown yellow cards in the 5-1 win against Scotland. Antonio Rüdiger and Maximilian Mittelstädt, all of them defensive players, were cautioned against Hungary. Individual yellow cards will only be deleted after the quarter-finals.