After two sputtering test matches, Germany heads into EURO 2024 still searching for its groove — especially in attack.
The host nation opens the tournament on Friday, June 14th against Scotland. But despite boasting an array of explosive attackers, Julian Nagelsmann’s side does not yet look like it is regularly capable of delivering fireworks.
For one veteran — team captain and FC Barcelona star İlkay Gündoğan — more balance is needed from the attacking line’s impetuous younger stars.
“We have to make sure we keep the balance. I can understand that the two boys [Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala and Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz] are incredibly talented and would like to play every ball forward,” Gündoğan is quoted in Bild as saying (via @iMiaSanMia). “Certain things have to be practiced in order to develop automatisms. The boys play for different clubs, so it’s important to work with them so they make the right decisions in the competition. I’m convinced we still have room for improvement.”
Decision-making in the final third will be critical for the Germans at the tournament. But it could be a challenge for a national team to develop the same chemistry in short order as a well-oiled club machine is capable of.
Can the Germans reign in their young guns in time for the goals to start raining in?