Initial reactions and observations

• What can you say? Germany gutted out a tough win against a great team. This was as focused and energized as we have seen this team in quite some time.
• Julian Nagelsmann made some impactful subs with Chris Führich, Niclas Füllkrug, and Thomas Müller, who made the presence in the game felt. The team could not have won without those three players.
• The German attack was just swarming through out the last 20 minutes of the match. Eventually, the Netherlands could just not hold Die Mannschaft off any longer.
• Somebody needs to dry out that pitch a bit.
• Julian Nagelsmann is pushing all of the right buttons at the moment and has the team believing in itself once more. The confidence and creativity were both off the charts, which was both refreshing and awesome to see.
• Overall, this was German football. A relentless attack, intelligent pressing, and staunch defense all built on the work of a collective effort. Yes, German national team fans, there is a reason to get excited for the EURO 2024 competition.

—C.Smith

Looking for more thoughts and analysis on Germany’s massive 2-1 win over the Netherlands and where things might be headed under Julian Nagelsmann? Then check out what Cyler and Chuck have to say on our Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show, which is available on Spotify or below:

Full-time: Germany wins 2-1!!!!!

86’: Niclas Füllkrug scored with his shoulder (yup) on a corner from Toni Kroos. The ball barely cleared the line, but it was far enough over it to give Germany the 2-1 lead…what a moment!

79’: David Raum and Benjamin Henrichs enter the match in place of Maximilian Mittelstädt and Joshua Kimmich.

73’: Thomas Müller and Niclas Füllkrug enter the game for Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz.

59’: Nagelsmann goes to his bench with Chris Führich and Pascal Groß on for İlkay Gündoğan and Robert Andrich.

46’: The second half is underway.

Halftime Observations:

• Germany was organized, aggressive, and motivated. This is marked improvement from how the team looked in recent years.
• Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala are disruptive…and playing together? Damn, that is a lot of fun to watch. Imagine them playing together for Bayern Munich?
• Maximilian Mittelstädt just hit a laser. Terrific shot by him.
• İlkay Gündoğan…not sure that is a fit for this group. This could be an awkward spot for Julian Nagelsmann if his captain is potentially a weak spot in the lineup.
• The Dutch are a very good team and played extremely tough. That made for an exciting half.
• Overall, that was a really solid half of football and should give fans some real reason to be excited. Now…if they can only repeat the level of energy in the second half. Let’s hope the intensity stays the same.

Halftime: The game is tied at 1-1 and it was…fun and exciting! Go figure, hopefully this leads to a great second half of action.

11’: Wow! Maximilian Mittelstädt uncorked a laster to tie the game at 1-1 for Germany. The left-back has made his presence known! Germany and the Netherlands are knotted.

4’: Well, this was a less-than-ideal start for the Germans. Joey Veerman perfectly placed a volley outside the reach of Marc-André ter Stegen for a quick goal. Memphis Depay sent the ball in and all of a sudden, Germany trailed by one. Germany’s defending left something to be desired there…yikes.

1’: Here we go!

One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! Looks like Julian Nagelsmann has opted to not experiment and keeps the same starting XI that beat France. Is this the Germany lineup that we’ll see at the Euros? Or will there be more changes to come somewhere down the line?

First up, it’s time to see what this team can do vs the Netherlands.

After an impressive win over France, former Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann faces his greatest challenge yet. No, it’s not the Netherlands — it’s his own urge experiment.

Germany played pretty well on Saturday by fielding a 4-3-3 formation with Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, and Florian Wirtz up top. Keeping that setup going will be key to building the team’s chemistry and the overall execution of the coach’s tactics. Then again, maybe certain changes — such as Thomas Müller for İlkay Gündoğan at attacking midfield — could improve performances. Maybe there’s still some scope for experimentation left. The only question is whether Germany can afford it.

While you’re waiting for the game, why not check out our most recent podcast episode? Listen to it below or on Spotify.

Match Info

Location: Deutsche Bank Park, Frankfurt, Germany

Time: 8:45 pm local time

TV/streaming: Find Your Country

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