It’s hard to believe, but I was actually there as a player when we last won against Spain in a competitive match: we won 2-0 in the third group match at the 1988 European Championship in Munich, with Rudi Völler scoring both goals. After 36 years, it’s now time for us to beat the Spanish again in a tournament.
It’s actually a shame that it’s a quarter-final. I would have loved to see both teams in the final in Berlin on July 14th.
For the first time in this tournament, Julian Nagelsmann’s team is not the favorite – but not the underdog either. Nuances will decide. It is important that our players push themselves to their limits and beyond – but that they do not forget to play with their heads. Both teams are playing offensively. It could be a spectacle. The transition game will be important, both offensively and defensively.
When I compare both teams, I see similar strengths – but also similar weaknesses.
Watching Spain play is a pleasure for every fan
Everyone has seen how strong the Spanish are in their four victories during this European Championship. The fact that outstanding Bundesliga players such as Dani Olmo from Leipzig and Alejandro Grimaldo from Leverkusen are not part of the starting eleven is also a testament to the Spanish quality.
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One advantage for them is that coach Luis de la Fuente has already worked with almost half the team in youth national teams. He knows that he can rely on his men, they know that what he asks of them works. A homogenous group has been growing for a long time – longer than was previously possible with our team due to time constraints. Their team spirit and cohesion is still clearly noticeable.
Lehmann on Spain – “Small and inexperienced. Basically a youth team”
The German national football team is looking forward to Friday’s European Championship quarter-final against Spain with respect. Former national goalkeeper Jens Lehmann and BILD sports editor Walter M. Straten discuss Germany’s chances in the “Duel of the Day”.
Source: WELT TV / Fanny Fee Werther
De la Fuente has made the Tiki-Taka faster, more dynamic and more flexible. They now also hit the long ball when it promises success. This makes the Spaniards more difficult to predict.
Watching Spain play is a pleasure for every fan. On the left is this incredibly fast and tricky Nico Williams. Before the European Championship, not many people had him on their radar, but after the European Championship, his market value will easily be in the three-digit million range – and he won’t be playing for Athletic Bilbao for much longer.
However, I absolutely trust Joshua Kimmich to stop him. Kimmich has already successfully played against the fast Mbappé. But he needs the support of his teammates. They have to narrow the spaces so that Williams can’t pick up speed in the first place.
The same applies to the other side, where Lamine Yamal, who turns 17 one day before the European Championship final, is doing his magic. How tricky he is, how much he enjoys playing! I am happy for my friend Hansi Flick that he will be able to work with him at FC Barcelona next season.
However, David Raum, with his robustness and speed, is able to unsettle prodigy Yamal.
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But be careful: Behind the two Spanish wing wizards are the experienced Daniel Carvajal, who Dortmund have bad memories of from the Champions League final, and Marc Cucurella. Both of them are always involved in attack.
In midfield, Rodri is an outstanding number six who has everything you need in that position. Then there are the skilled technicians Pedri and Fabián, who make an impact offensively and are dangerous in front of goal. Unless you disrupt them early and consistently.
Four-goal gala against Georgia – Spain’s quarter-finals in video
Despite falling behind early on against Georgia, the Spanish national team did not let itself down and will now face Germany in the quarter-finals. Rodri, Fabián, Williams and Olmo ensured a clear result with their goals. The highlights in the video.
The great thing is that we can offer the same quality to all of these exceptional talents. I’m not saying that we have the better Jamal in Musiala – but we have the more mature one. I prefer him to Yamal in this tournament, and not just as a patriot. Because our number 10 is more dangerous in front of goal than the Spaniard, which he has proven with three goals at the European Championships.
The defense as an Achilles heel – for both teams
Ilkay Gündogan is playing a strong EM in attacking midfield. Toni Kroos sets the rhythm from far back, is our leader, the brain of the team.
Regardless of whether the national coach brings in Florian Wirtz or lets Leroy Sané play again, whether he sticks with Kai Havertz or starts Niclas Füllkrug – our team is always capable of embarrassing the Spanish.
Because, like us, Spain is vulnerable in defence when switching quickly. The central defence with Aymeric Laporte and Robin Le Normand does not look particularly stable.
Quarter-final clash against Spain – “In games like this, the audience is challenged”
Germany will face title favorite Spain in the quarter-finals of the European Championship on home soil. Former international player Michael Ballack also takes the fans in the stadium to task: “We’re going to put them under pressure now.”
Something else about Toni Kroos: He could come full circle if he plays the last game of his career against Spain. But I don’t want to allow myself to think that negatively. I still believe that title-winning Toni will win the last trophy of his brilliant career in Berlin.
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The column was written for the Sports Competence Center (WELT, SPORT BILD, BILD) and first published in SPORT BILD.
