UEFA EURO reporter's view: Germany
Saturday, June 4, 2016
Article summary
Team reporter Steffen Potter reckons Germany will reach at least the semi-finals of UEFA EURO 2016, although a lack of cover in the full-back positions is a concern.
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Squad analysis
Germany have selected 13 of their victorious 2014 FIFA World Cup squad for UEFA EURO 2016. As was the case during the tournament in Brazil, there is a shortage of out-and-out full-backs, with Köln's left-sided Jonas Hector the only player in the 23 who regularly operates in that position for his club.
There is also a paucity of forwards, Mario Gomez being the only real frontman in Joachim Löw's selection. The German Football Association (DFB) list Mario Götze as a striker, though he is usually deployed as some sort of 'false nine', with mixed results so far.
One to watch
Schalke's Leroy Sané has the potential to make it on the big stage. The 20-year old, who is incredibly quick and has great technique, scored eight Bundesliga goals this season and provided several assists. He is known for his beautifully curled goal against Real Madrid in March 2015 on his UEFA Champions League debut.
Sané has demonstrated his effectiveness off the bench, so no one was really surprised when Löw picked him for the finals in France.
How they'll play
Germany still had Philipp Lahm to call on in 2014. In Brazil, Löw fielded a defensive line comprised entirely of centre-backs, later moving Lahm from midfield into his accustomed right-back role. It is likely that Löw will opt for three regular centre-backs and one full-back. I expect a Germany team that will try to control the ball but be circumspect when venturing forward.
What you won't know
Much has been made of Germany's success in youth development. Hector, however, is the one player in the squad who did not join a professional club until he was an adult. Hector, now 26, was 20 when he left fifth-tier Auersmacher for Köln, while most of his team-mates were signed up between the ages of four and 14.
How they'll do
Qualification was not particularly memorable – indeed, it was Germany's worst campaign under Löw – and the defence has looked shaky in the recent friendlies. The Mannschaft seldom excel in warm-up matches, though, so people in Germany are not overly concerned. Germany have a lot of promise going forward and will definitely reach the knockout stages. From there on, it is a matter of form on the day (remember the Algeria game two years ago?) and whether they have started to click by then. I see them getting to the semi-finals.
Your most memorable EURO moment
In 2008, at my first EURO, I was following Switzerland, who played Turkey in their second group match. The hosts took the lead in a fixture affected by torrential rainfall, but Turkey pulled one back in Basel, with Arda Turan then rifling in an added-time winner. I was in the tunnel at full time and to witness the joy and enthusiasm with which the Turkish players celebrated the 2-1 victory was great. Turkey scored more famous last-gasp goals in their subsequent games before losing to a late Lahm strike in the semi-finals. That one pleased me, too.
What you're most looking forward to this summer
Good football. Given that I am following Germany, I can probably expect to witness some slick passing and great attacking moves. Having watched Sané live at international youth level and for Schalke, I can't wait to see him in France. The same goes for the different tactical approaches of other teams. What's not to love?
Follow Steffen throughout the finals at @UEFAcomSteffenP