Nagelsmann: Individual Battles Will Decide the Spain vs Germany Euro 2024 Quarterfinal
Anticipation for the Clash
Germany's national team coach, Julian Nagelsmann, believes that individual battles will be crucial in their upcoming quarterfinal match against Spain in the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament in Germany tomorrow. Germany reached the quarterfinals by defeating Denmark 2-0, while Spain overcame a surprising start to beat Georgia 4-1 in the Round of 16.
Historical Context
Germany faces a challenging history against Spain, having not won a competitive match against them since a 2-0 victory in the group stage of the 1988 European Championship, which they hosted. Since that win in Munich, the two teams have met 11 times, with Spain winning four times and Germany twice in friendly matches. Spain notably defeated Germany 1-0 in the Euro 2008 final and the same scoreline in the 2010 World Cup semifinal. The most significant win was a 6-0 victory for Spain in the UEFA Nations League in November 2020.
Key Insights from Nagelsmann
In a press conference on Thursday, Nagelsmann stated, "We are in the quarterfinals, not the final. We aim to be among the teams that reach the semifinals, just as Spain wants to win the title. So, it will be a tough match tomorrow." He added, "Both teams excel at ball possession and pressing their opponents. Individual battles will be crucial to deciding the match."
Team Performance Comparison
Both teams have shown strong offensive capabilities, with Germany scoring ten goals and Spain nine. Germany's goals came from six different players, with Jamal Musiala leading with three goals. In contrast, Spain's goals were scored by seven players, led by Fabian Ruiz with two goals.
Praise for Young Talent
Nagelsmann praised Spain’s 16-year-old talent, Lamine Yamal, the youngest player in the tournament's history, saying, "He has fantastic potential, especially in one-on-one situations. He is only 16 and is very flexible in his play. But my focus is not on Yamal but on Jamal (Musiala)."
Gundogan's Perspective
German captain Ilkay Gundogan emphasized treating each match as a final. The Barcelona player stated, "From now on, every match is like a final, and both teams will approach it as such. It’s a match between the best teams in the tournament." He also highlighted the team's strong player group, "We reached the quarterfinals deservedly and have a great group of players."
Facing Former Teammates
Gundogan will face his former Manchester City teammate, Spanish midfielder Rodri, who scored Spain's equalizer against Georgia. Gundogan recalled, "In his first season at Manchester City, he would spend an additional 45 minutes with Guardiola after training. Rodri has come a long way and learned a lot." He added, "For me, he is the best defensive midfielder in the world. It’s hard to control a player like him for more than 90 minutes, but there are ways to make things difficult for him."
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