In a highly anticipated Euro 2024 friendly clash, Germany plays host to France at the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund.
This match comes on the heels of Germany’s shocking 4-1 home defeat to Japan, which resulted in the departure of manager Hansi Flick.
The Volkswagen Arena witnessed scenes of disbelief as Japan managed to conquer Germany for the second time in just 10 months. This defeat was the final straw for Flick, who was already under immense pressure before this month’s internationals.
With Germany already assured of their place in next summer’s European Championships as hosts, they are in dire need of a strong performance to regain public confidence before the finals.
Rudi Voller, Hannes Wolf, and Sandro Wagner will be at the helm, attempting to stabilize the team amid the turmoil within the DFB.
Under Flick’s tenure, Germany struggled, winning just one of their six Nations League games last year, followed by a disappointing group stage exit at the World Cup. The weekend’s loss to Japan mirrored their World Cup woes.
In a candid post-match interview, national team captain Ilkay Gundogan admitted, “Perhaps we think we are better than we actually are.” The 4-1 scoreline could have been even worse if not for some remarkable saves by Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Since their early World Cup exit, Germany has played six friendlies, resulting in losses to Belgium, Poland, Colombia, and Japan, along with a challenging 3-3 draw against Ukraine. This recent form has seen them go winless in five games, conceding 13 goals in the process.
Perhaps most concerning is that Germany has only managed to win four of their last 17 matches, with victories over an out-of-form Italy, Oman, Costa Rica, and Peru.
On the flip side, France is on a smooth path to qualify for the Euro 2024 finals. Under the leadership of Didier Deschamps, they have won all five of their matches without conceding a single goal. Their recent 2-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland, featuring goals from Aurelien Tchouameni and Marcus Thuram, showcased their dominance.
France is currently one of only three nations with a 100% record after matchday five, alongside Scotland and Portugal. A victory against Germany, a strong contender in the upcoming tournament, would provide a significant confidence boost for Les Bleus.
It’s worth noting that France defeated Germany 1-0 during Euro 2020, thanks to a Mats Hummels own goal. This marked their sixth consecutive unbeaten match against Die Mannschaft, with Germany failing to win against them since the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup.
Team News
In the aftermath of the humbling defeat to Japan, Germany may see significant changes in their lineup. Notable absences include Jamal Musiala, while Manuel Neuer is likely to be replaced by Ter Stegen.
Players like Leon Goretzka, David Raum, Matthias Ginter, Thilo Kehrer, and Timo Werner have been dropped from the squad.
The absence of Werner means that there are no traditional strikers in the squad, with Kai Havertz being utilized in midfield at Arsenal and Kevin Schade occasionally playing out wide for Brentford.
One standout player, Pascal Gross, may earn his first international start after making a debut appearance off the bench.
France, on the other hand, will be without Olivier Giroud due to an ankle injury. Coach Deschamps may use this match to rotate his squad, giving opportunities to players who did not start in their previous game.
Eduardo Camavinga, William Saliba, and Randal Kolo Muani are among those hoping for a place in the starting XI.
Notable absentees for France include Chelsea duo Christopher Nkunku and Wesley Fofana.
Possible Starting Lineups
Germany:
- Ter Stegen
- Henrichs
- Sule
- Rudiger
- Gosens
- Kimmich
- Gross
- Gundogan
- Brandt
- Muller
- Gnabry
France:
- Maignan
- Pavard
- Saliba
- Disasi
- T Hernandez
- Camavinga
- Tchouameni
- Griezmann
- Coman
- Kolo Muani
- Mbappe
Match Prediction: Germany 0-3 France
France enters the match in exceptional form, while Germany faces confidence issues and a managerial void. Given their recent struggles, even a second-string French side could pose a significant challenge to the hosts. France’s current form suggests they are likely to emerge victorious once again.