DUESSELDORF, Germany — What a transformative year it has been for German football.
Merely twelve months ago, Germany found itself entrenched in a series of disheartening results, leaving fans questioning its potential to perform well when it takes center stage as the host for Euro 2024. Fast forward to today, and the team has regained its status among Europe’s elite, setting ambitious sights on the upcoming 2026 World Cup to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Germany will wrap up the calendar year 2024 with an impressive tally of 10 victories from the 15 matches played so far. This marks a stark contrast to 2023, where the team could only manage three wins against six losses.
The sole defeat this year was particularly painful, occurring in the pivotal Euro 2024 quarterfinal against eventual champions Spain, where Germany was edged out in heartbreaking extra time on familiar soil. That loss continues to evoke frustration among players and fans alike.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann’s emotions were palpable during the last Nations League group match against Hungary, especially when a contentious handball penalty allowed the game to end in a 1-1 draw. His immediate response was to confront the referee, questioning whether he had seen Germany’s heartbreaking defeat to Spain, where a notable handball from Spain’s Marc Cucurella went unpunished, leaving the German camp infuriated.
It’s been a landmark year for prodigious talents like Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala, who have formed a dynamic duo referred to as the “Wusiala” combo, and are expected to dazzle on the world stage at the 2026 World Cup. Wirtz emerged as one of Germany’s top scorers this year with six goals, joining Arsenal’s Kai Havertz in that accolade, while Musiala showcased his own prowess with a commendable five goals.
“At their young age, they’re both world-class already,” Joachim Löw, the mastermind behind Germany’s triumph in the 2014 World Cup, stated in an interview Sunday with local broadcaster SWR, expressing admiration for their exceptional development.
In a notable move, Löw was the first coach to give Musiala and Wirtz, then just 18 and 17 respectively, their initial call-ups to the national team in 2021, and he’s been amazed at their integral roles within Nagelsmann’s strategic framework.
“They’re obviously both incredibly creative, strong in one-on-ones, they’re both goalscoring threats, and they’ve both made unbelievable progress in our national team over the last one or two years,” Löw noted. “You really can’t imagine the national team without them anymore because they shape the game.”
Several star names, including Manuel Neuer, Toni Kroos, Ilkay Gündogan, and Thomas Müller, announced their retirement from international duty following Euro 2024, yet the team’s performance appears unaffected by their absence.
Still, questions linger regarding the sustainability and depth of Germany’s resurgence in form. A Nations League group comprising the Netherlands, Hungary, and Bosnia-Herzegovina allowed Germany to secure several commanding victories, including a staggering 7-0 win against Bosnia last week; however, the challenge presented was far from the most formidable the tournament had to offer.
Marc-André ter Stegen has emerged as Germany’s top goalkeeper after Neuer’s departure; however, he remains sidelined from action as he recuperates from a serious knee injury sustained in September. Meanwhile, the team’s primary striker, Niclas Füllkrug of West Ham, has been absent from play since September due to an Achilles tendon injury, and he will be 33 years old by the time the World Cup rolls around.
Ahead of World Cup qualifying, Germany’s mettle will be tested in the upcoming Nations League playoffs scheduled for March, where they will learn their quarterfinal opponent during the draw at UEFA headquarters on Friday. Unfortunately, Bayer Leverkusen’s Wirtz received a yellow card in Tuesday’s match, resulting in a suspension for the first leg of the quarterfinals.
### Interview with Football Analyst Alex Müller
### Interview with Football Analyst Alex Müller
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Alex! It’s been a remarkable year for German football. Looking back, what do you think were the key factors in the transformation of the national team?
**Alex Müller:** Thank you for having me! Indeed, it has been a transformative year. First and foremost, the coaching style of Julian Nagelsmann has injected fresh energy and a modern approach into the team. He has focused on building a cohesive unit, and his tactical flexibility has allowed the team to adapt to various challenges throughout the year.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely! The improvement in results is astonishing. Last year, they struggled significantly, but now they have 10 victories in 15 matches. What do you think made the difference?
**Alex Müller:** It really is a stark contrast. The players have grown into their roles more confidently. Young talents like Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala have emerged as crucial contributors. They bring creativity and dynamism to the attack, and having young players stepping up has significantly boosted the squad’s morale and capability. It’s also worth noting that the team is learning from past mistakes, particularly the painful loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of that quarterfinal against Spain, do you think the emotional response from Nagelsmann, especially after the penalty decision in the recent Hungary match, suggests there are still lingering frustrations from that loss?
**Alex Müller:** Definitely. That moment highlights the pressure and emotional volatility in high-stakes matches. Nagelsmann’s reaction was a clear expression of his protective instincts for the team. It shows that the coaching staff feels the weight of past failures and is keen to ensure that they secure every possible advantage moving forward, especially with Euro 2024 around the corner.
**Interviewer:** In terms of individual performances, how significant have Wirtz and Musiala been for the team this year?
**Alex Müller:** Wirtz and Musiala have been exceptional—their synergy on the pitch has been likened to a dynamic duo. With Wirtz scoring six goals and Musiala contributing five, they not only provide goals but also create opportunities for others. Their youth and talent are truly remarkable; as Joachim Löw pointed out, they are already world-class at such a young age. They are definitely among the players to watch as we gear up for the 2026 World Cup.
**Interviewer:** Any final thoughts on what the future might hold for the German national team?
**Alex Müller:** I believe the trajectory is very positive. With a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, Germany is well-positioned. The disappointment from Euro 2024 could be a driving force, motivating them to excel in the upcoming tournaments. If they maintain their current form and continue to develop their young stars, we could see them challenging for major trophies again very soon.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Alex, for your insights! It’s clear that German football is on the rise, and we look forward to seeing how they progress in the coming years.
**Alex Müller:** Thank you! It’s an exciting time for German football, and I’m looking forward to following their journey.
