Germany hoping for a home run after decade of decline

In the wake of several disastrous tournaments, the Euro 2024 hosts are showing signs they can challenge top sides again

- ALEX PATTLE

In recent years, the predominant feeling among German fans has been one of jadedness. But in recent months, that feeling has been replaced by an optimistic joy, and the next evolution would naturally be jubilation this summer – in the very cities where Germany’s footballing fate will be decided.

The source of initial disillusionment was a decade of precipitous decline, after the cathartic lassoing of der vierte stern in 2014 – “the fourth star” on Germany’s jersey, woven after their World Cup triumph in Brazil.

While Joachim Low’s side mounted a respectable challenge at Euro 2016, falling to hosts France in the semi-finals, their world title defence was nothing short of disastrous. A bottom-place group finish in 2018 could have heralded the end for Low, but he sought redemption in 2021, only for the postponed Euros to bring another premature exit: an underwhelming last-16 dismissal by England.''

Yet replacing Low, in a bid to reinvigorate the nationalmannschaft, did not bear the fruit foreseen. Hansi Flick’s tenure was shockingly short and ill-fated, as Germany again crashed out of the World Cup at the first hurdle in 2022. Japan played a key role in their misfortune in Qatar, and in Flick’s departure overall, with their 4-1 win over Germany signalling the end for the former Bayern Munich coach last September.

Enter Julian Nagelsmann, within 12 days. At first, it seemed the 36-year-old’s spell might be as quick as his arrival, with his contract only lasting until the end of Euro 2024. But by April, the former Bayern manager had signed an extension, which is set to take him until the end of the 2026 World Cup.