National team: opponents wanted after World Cup knockout: DFB plans 1000th international match

National team
Opponents wanted after World Cup Ko: DFB plans 1000th international match

National coach Hansi Flick failed with his team at the World Cup in the preliminary round. photo

© Tom Weller/dpa

The big anniversary should rise in Qatar. Instead of in the World Cup semifinals, the 1000th international match in DFB history will now be a test match in 2023 as a step in preparation for the home European Championship.

Parallel to the processing of the World Cup disgrace, the German Football Association is planning a big anniversary.

The 1000th international match in the history of the national team will not take place as hoped in the World Cup semi-finals on December 14 at the Al-Bait Stadium in Al-Khour. The arena in the Qatari desert will instead be remembered for the group stage knockout despite the 4-2 win over Costa Rica.

The date, location and opponents for the 1000th international match have not yet been announced. It should now be held in June. The first two international matches in preparation for the 2024 home European Championship will take place next March. The DFB selection has currently completed 997 international matches. The record is positive with 576 wins, 207 draws and 213 defeats.

Jubilee probably not against Switzerland

The DFB will probably not be able to continue a tradition. Round international matches, such as the 200th, 300th or 800th international match were played against Switzerland – as a reminder of the premiere on April 5, 1908 against the Swiss in Basel (3:5). Due to their ten games in 2023 in the European Championship qualifier, Switzerland no longer has a free date.

In any case, the search for opponents is limited. As the host of the EM 2024, the DFB can only play test matches. The only well-known European opponents are England, France, Belgium and Austria, who play in qualifying groups of five and therefore still have free dates.

The new start for the DFB selection begins in March, according to the current status with two games between March 22nd and 28th. Overall, national coach Hansi Flick – or a possible successor – will play ten test games in 2023 with the DFB selection. Further double dates are blocked in June, September, October and November.

The DFB will name opponents and venues in a timely manner, possibly after the presidium meeting on Friday next week in Frankfurt. The draw for the final round of the European Championship will take place on December 2, 2023 in Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie.

Only test matches before the home EM

Until the home tournament from June 14 to July 14, 2024, the national coach only has test games – not an ideal constellation to prepare a team for the European Championship. The next competitive game is the opening game of the European Championship on June 14, 2024 in Munich.

Flick missed the option of a competitive tournament in September when the group victory in the Nations League was lost due to a 1-0 defeat against Hungary. The final tournament in the summer of 2023 will be contested by hosts the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and Croatia.

dpa

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