A Die Mannschaft side which has all the potential to go down in history as one of the best ever enters Euro 2016 looking to extend their dominance over the continent.
Recent form
The Germans will come into the tournament finals having comfortably finished the qualifying round atop their group after winning seven games. These included 4-0 and 7-0 destructions of Gibraltar and a 3-1 victory over Poland, overturning a 2-0 defeat to their fellow Group C opponents earlier in the campaign. Interestingly, Joachim Löw’s side were not able to overcome the challenge posed by the Republic of Ireland in qualifying, who recorded a 1-1 draw and 1-0 win over the current world champions.
However, it remains to be seen if momentum will be on their side. A 3-1 upset at the hands of Slovakia early this morning means that Die Mannschaft have lost three of their last four outings, alongside defeats to England and fellow tournament favourites France.
READ MORE: Euro 2016 – Germany star player – Marco Reus
Euro History
With success in the tournament dating back to when the country was still divided, the Germans (previously known as West Germany) are tied with Spain as the most successful nation in European championships history with three trophies, coming in 1972, 1980 and 1996.
Strengths
The fact that most of Germany’s national players come from the same league has developed one of the most cohesive units in international football, with an on-field understanding between teammates
The talent-filled roster, along with the mastermind Loew, properly announced themselves at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and at that stage they were still considered youngsters. It is scary to think that names such as Mesut Ozil and Thomas Muller are now in the peak periods of their careers, while already possessing the experience of both playing at and winning major international competitions. These are players that demolished Brazil with seven goals on their own home soil, and have since only appeared to have improved over their respective leagues.
Furthermore, it is not just the recognised names that make Germany so dangerous. Young Bundesliga standouts Joshua Kimmich, Julian Brandt and Julian Weigl are all included in Löw’s preliminary squad. This depth across the pitch and continued promotion of new talent into the national ranks have kept Die Mannschaft unpredictable at each major tournament.
Weaknesses
It will be a tough ask for any opposition team to find cracks in the German setup, with the majority of the squad made up of players from Europe’s top leagues. However, although the side possesses a myriad of talent in the attacking-midfielder and winger roles, Mario Gomez was the only natural striker named in Löw’s side, which has the potential to bottleneck their forward momentum if the opposition can defend intelligently and keep the likes of Muller and Marco Reus further up the field.
They have also conceded nine goals in the past four games, included three each against Slovakia and England. While these were friendly fixtures, it is not completely unfair to say that apart from Mats Hummels, the defensive area of Löw’s side lacks the same depth and strength that is so evident higher-up.
Predicted finish – Finalists
Equal favourites with the hosts France to win the tournament, Germany should have few problems in the group stage against Ukraine and Northern Ireland, although they have lost to Poland recently. With this squad so experienced at these pressure situations and so stacked with quality names, it is hard seeing anybody besting Die Mannschaft without a lot of luck on their side. Löw and his players always bring their best for the big occasion and will want to add this European jewel to their already magnificent footballing crown.
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