Julian Nagelsmann can still create something new with the national team. The DFB team has never gone undefeated in the group phase of the Nations League. Before the last game today in Budapest against Hungary, the record is better than ever: four wins, one draw and a splendid 17:3 goals. The national coach is aiming for an excellent end to the year.
In terms of sport, the starting position is clear. Germany is already group winner in the Nations League and will play in the quarter-finals in March for a place in the final round. Hungary is third in the group and has to go into the relegation play-offs for the B league at the start of the 2025 international year. So there is no longer any appeal there. But Nagelsmann has already made it clear: It’s not about the result, but about the way. The national coach expects the same bite and enthusiasm as in the 7-0 win against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
It is rotating. That’s already clear. However, Nagelsmann did not yet want to say how fast the personnel carousel is turning. In his typical quick manner, he spoke of nine, ten or four changes to the starting eleven. One thing is certain: Alexander Nübel has a new chance in goal. Nico Schlotterbeck replaces the suspended Jonathan Tah in central defense. Nagelsmann has already revealed that Leroy Sané should get more playing time than the 30 minutes against Bosnia-Herzegovina and prove himself.
The next important date is already on Friday. Then the quarter-final pairings will be drawn in Nyon. Germany will be assigned second place in the group, i.e. Italy, Croatia or Denmark. The game will be played on March 20th and 23rd, Germany will play away first. The winners reach the final tournament from June 4th to 8th, which the DFB would like to host.
UEFA has announced that the host will be named quickly, possibly on Friday. The association will select a quarter-final pairing from which both teams could host the final round. The game will then be played in June in the country of the winner of the game.
