Julian Nagelsmann’s journey as the head coach of Germany has been marked by a significant amount of luck, which has led the team to the quarterfinals of Euro 2024. Despite this luck, it is evident that Germany will need more than fortune to progress further in the competition and compete at a higher level.
In a round-of-16 match against Denmark, Germany benefitted from a ferocious thunderstorm and two VAR decisions in their favor, resulting in a 2-0 victory. The team scored through a Kai Havertz penalty and a Jamal Musiala solo goal. Had the VAR decisions gone the other way, Germany could have faced a different fate in their own party.
Nagelsmann’s Coaching Decisions
Nagelsmann, who is under contract until the end of the 2026 World Cup, made bold decisions in the match against Denmark. He dropped Florian Wirtz in favor of Leroy Sané and kept Niclas Füllkrug on the bench. Despite facing criticism for his choices, Nagelsmann stood by his team selection and justified his decision-making.
Key Players and Missed Opportunities
Players like Leroy Sané and Kai Havertz were crucial in the match, but they also missed several opportunities to score. Sané’s speed and energy brought depth to the team, while Havertz’s penalty goal solidified Germany’s victory. However, there were moments when both players could have performed better and capitalized on their chances.
As Germany faces Spain or Georgia in the upcoming quarterfinal, Nagelsmann will have to make strategic decisions to guide the team to success. With the potential of facing Spain, a challenging opponent, Germany must be prepared to tackle strong competition and elevate their performance to secure a spot in the next round.
Throughout the match against Denmark, the decisions made by VAR played a significant role in determining the outcome. Controversial calls, such as disallowing a goal due to a fractional offside and awarding a penalty for a handball, showcased the influence of technology in modern football. While VAR can be a valuable tool, its impact on the game can be a source of debate and contention.
Germany’s success at Euro 2024 under Julian Nagelsmann’s leadership has been shaped by a combination of luck, strategic decisions, and the influence of VAR. As the team progresses in the competition, Nagelsmann will face increasing pressure to deliver results and lead Germany to victory. With challenging opponents on the horizon, the team must remain focused, adaptive, and resilient to overcome obstacles and secure a place in the tournament’s final stages.
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