Contents
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Page 1Spain has its own style, but Germany remains unpredictable
Page 2As if we had just remembered in time that a tournament was coming up
Europe asks Lahm. That is the motto of the joint column by Philipp Lahm and ZEIT ONLINE. Our sports editor Oliver Fritsch collects questions from around 25 European media partners, which he then discusses with the tournament director of Euro 2024. The text appears from England to Spain and Slovenia to Georgia, in each case in the national language.
There are still eight left, but all twenty-four nations have contributed to the success of the tournament. In terms of atmosphere, of course, and also in terms of sport. The 5:1 victory in Germany’s opening match against Scotland was an exception; close games and tight results were the rule. When UEFA increased the number of participants in a European Championship a few years ago, I was skeptical. Now I am happy that Europe is so well represented.
In national teams, footballers are concerned with a different why. They play for their home country and form a connection with their fans. Euro 2024 has developed a European flair. There is exuberance in the stands and many scenes on the pitch are heartbreaking.
The smaller teams have to adapt, and they manage to do so because they accept their role as underdogs. They play defensively and want to take advantage of the few chances they get. When they counterattack, a murmur goes through the stadium and sometimes the fans shout for the ball to go into the goal. One for all, all for one. That’s what people want to see.
Georgia was the most impressive team, the team was extremely defensive. The intensity of the duels reminded me of the Europa League winners Atalanta Bergamo in their defense during the victory against Portugal. Portugal was annoyed and eventually gave up. In the round of 16, Georgia was defeated by the best team so far. The way Spain has dominated every opponent so far, and with great enthusiasm, is outstanding.
© ZEIT ONLINE
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Spain continues to stand for excellence and an idea that goes back to Johan Cruyff and Pep Guardiola: technical, attacking combination football. Training is based on this, and the association has decided to have all national teams from the U15s onwards play according to this idea. Everyone identifies with this idea. I myself have come into contact with it, either as a suffering opponent or as Guardiola’s player.
This team has what it takes to become
The national coach Luis de la Fuente has absorbed this culture. As a player, he was a professional in the top league and has worked for the Spanish Football Association for eleven years, where he managed various youth teams. He knows the players and the environment. With him, the association is relying on continuity.
The basis of Spanish teams is always recognizable. This was also the case at the 2022 World Cup, when Spain, like Germany, was eliminated early. The current squad, on the other hand, has top players who convert dominance on the ball into results: Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Fabián Ruiz, Rodri. You don’t have to be a prophet to count them among the best in European football.
When ideas and talent come together, Spain can be expected to perform at the highest level. This year, the team is playing wonderfully. Watching them, you can imagine that they could follow in the footsteps of the team that won everything from 2008 to 2012. If such an era were to repeat itself, it would not be a coincidence.
Europe asks Lahm. That is the motto of the joint column by Philipp Lahm and ZEIT ONLINE. Our sports editor Oliver Fritsch collects questions from around 25 European media partners, which he then discusses with the tournament director of Euro 2024. The text appears from England to Spain and Slovenia to Georgia, in each case in the national language.
There are still eight left, but all twenty-four nations have contributed to the success of the tournament. In terms of atmosphere, of course, and also in terms of sport. The 5:1 victory in Germany’s opening match against Scotland was an exception; close games and tight results were the rule. When UEFA increased the number of participants in a European Championship a few years ago, I was skeptical. Now I am happy that Europe is so well represented.
