By: Aditya Ahuja
Germany begins their pursuit of a first major title in ten years as the hosts of Euro 2024, launching their Group A campaign against Scotland on Friday.
Boasting four FIFA World Cups and three European Championships, Germany has endured a string of setbacks since their 2014 World Cup victory in Brazil. They faced early exits in the last two World Cups, bowing out in the group stage, and were eliminated in the round of 16 in the most recent Euros.
With the tournament on home turf, there is only one outcome that will satisfy Germany’s fans, who are desperate for the success they once took for granted: lifting the trophy.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann, who toook over the reigns in October last year, made it clear that they wouldn’t settle for anything less than a win.
Nagelsmann’s squad boasts a mix of talented young players like Jamal Musiala and Bundesliga champion Florian Wirtz, alongside veterans such as 2014 World Cup winners Manuel Neuer, Thomas Müller, and Toni Kroos. But their goal-scoring ability remains in question, with Kai Havertz, not a natural number nine, as their first-choice striker and Niclas Fuellkrug on the bench.
They face Scotland, who are competing in back-to-back European Championships for the first time since 1996. As clear underdogs, the Scots hope for an early upset to navigate the group stage successfully.
Large fan zones have been established in major cities, including Berlin’s expansive area extending from the Brandenburg Gate into the city. These fan zones proved immensely successful during the 2006 World Cup, creating a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere known as the ‘summer fairytale.’
Beyond the pitch, Germany expects a wave of enthusiasm from fans and an estimated 2.7 million visitors for the June 14-July 14 event. Large fan zones are set up across major cities, including Berlin’s expansive space from the Brandenburg Gate into the city. The fan zones were a massive success during the 2006 World Cup in Germany, creating a festive atmosphere dubbed the ‘summer fairytale.’
However, this time around, there is a shift in dynamics. More than one in four Germans are showing little interest in the Euros, and concerns about security have escalated. To mitigate potential risks, thousands of police officers will be deployed to address threats from various quarters, including extremists, hooligans and cyberattacks.