Germany is Relying on Home Advantage to Revive their Glory Days

Germany’s national team is relying on home advantage to revive their glory days as they host the European Football Cup finals starting on the 14th of this month. Fierce competition is expected at their stadiums, featuring some of the strongest international teams.

The Germans hope to repeat their experience from 2006 when they reached the semi-finals of the World Cup held in their country. That performance provided a significant boost for several years, culminating in their victory at the 2014 World Cup.

The 2006 tournament was the launching pad for a decade of consistent successes, with Germany reaching the semi-finals of major tournaments regularly. This golden period included their 2014 World Cup victory and semi-final appearances in the World Cup or European Cup in 2006, 2010, 2012, 2016, and the final of the European Championship in 2008.

When Julian Nagelsmann took over as head coach of the German national team in late September 2023, he faced a significant challenge. The team was in a deep crisis following their exits in the group stage of two consecutive World Cups, Russia 2018 (their worst result in eighty years) and Qatar 2022, as well as substantial losses in friendly and official matches. The 36-year-old new coach spoke of an “ideal scenario” for his team in the continental finals, hoping to create a “summer fantasy story, part two.”

Eighteen years ago, the Germans began their World Cup campaign at home with an impressive 4-2 victory over Costa Rica in the opening match in Munich. Now, 18 years later, the setting remains the same—Allianz Arena (referred to as “Munich Football Arena” by the Continental Confederation)—but the opponent will be more challenging. Germany faces Scotland, who are making their second consecutive appearance in the continental finals after having been eliminated in the first round in the summer of 2021. Scotland aims to advance past the first round for the first time in their history, despite them losing their striker Lyndon Dykes due to injury.

In this first group, the German team, aiming for a record fourth title, is considered the leading contender. However, they must be cautious of Hungary, whose players have been impressive in major European tournaments. Notably, captain Dominik Szoboszlai, who moved to English club Liverpool last summer, has established himself as a starter under German coach Jürgen Klopp, although he was sidelined by an injury at the beginning of 2024.

Despite their recent 1-2 friendly loss to Ireland, the Hungarian squad, led by Italian coach Marco Rossi, had an impressive unbeaten streak of 14 matches since September 2022.

Behind Germany and Hungary, Switzerland will not remain passive. They reached the Round of 16 in the World Cup two years ago, where they suffered a heavy 1-6 defeat to Portugal (many of their players were infected with a virus before the match).
“Nati” can rely on the exceptional season of midfielder Granit Xhaka, who played a pivotal role in Bayer Leverkusen’s successful campaign as German champions and local cup winners. Additionally, Inter Milan’s goalkeeper, Yann Sommer, who helped his team secure the Italian championship, will be a key figure for Switzerland.

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