STUTTGART: Much of Germany was in tears after the quarter-final exit against Spain at Euro 2024 but amid all the disappointment, there was also feeling that Germany can look into a brighter football future again.
Finally, Germany have become a team to be feared after years of poor showings culminating in World Cup group stage exits in 2018 and 2022.
It was more than just defiance when coach Julian Nagelsmann declared: “It hurts that you now have to wait for two years to become world champions.
Retiring Germany midfielder Toni Kroos was also optimistic for the team’s future despite their “bitter” Euro 2024 exit.
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and forward Thomas Muller, along with Kroos the last members of the 2014 World Cup-winning team, may have also played their last national team match. The future in the team of captain Ilkay Gundogan is unclear as well.
However, Nagelsmann has a good foundation, led by the young and creative duo of Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz. Aleksandar Pavlovic, who missed the Euros due to illness, and Maximilian Beier are other exciting players.
Kroos came out of international retirement for one last dance with Germany at the Euros, playing a crucial role as the home side impressed after almost a decade of poor performances at major tournaments.
He had previously announced he would retire from all football after the tournament.
“We threw everything in, to lose when we were so close, is bitter,” Kroos told ARD.
“The elimination is the main focus right now (rather than his retirement), because the goal that we had we were unable to achieve and the dream we had is over.
“We played a good tournament but when you’re so close, to be eliminated like that, it’s bitter.” — AFP
