The DFB team fueled further euphoria for the home tournament after the coup in France with the 2:1 (1:1) in the classic against arch-rivals the Netherlands.
Germany is floating towards the European Championship in complete detachment. At the party in Frankfurt, Maximilian Mittelstädt turned the match around with his debut dream goal (11th) and joker Niclas Füllkrug (85th) after Joey Veerman had gone behind (4th). 80 days before the opening game against Scotland, the anticipation that was hardly thought possible a few weeks ago is growing.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann used the successful starting line-up from the France game (2:0). “We’re trying to let the first eleven settle in a bit,” said the 36-year-old, explaining the lack of changes shortly before kick-off on RTL.
In contrast to Lyon’s lightning start, this time the shot backfired after a mistake by Mittelstädt. The Stuttgart player’s back pass to Jonathan Tah was too short, Memphis Depay sprinted in between and, after 193 seconds, provided Veerman with a great deal of vision to score.
The four-time world champion shook himself briefly in his new pink and purple jerseys – and struck back in spectacular style. Following a short corner, Stuttgart’s Mittelstädt struck under the crossbar with his powerful left foot from 17 meters. The stadium management then played the 80s world hit “Major Tom” by Peter Schilling to the delight of the fans, the DFB complying with the wishes of the supporters. However, UEFA plans to play identical goal jingles from the official EURO song for all teams at the European Championship.
The quick equalizer visibly did the three-time European champions good. The DFB team played their opponents with strong combinations and ball security. The fans in Frankfurt had a lot of fun. La Ola circled through the sold-out arena with 48,590 spectators early on and Nagelsmann appeared satisfied on the touchline.
However, the hosts did not find many gaps in the five-man backline of the 1988 European champions, even though Toni Kroos repeatedly drove the game forward and Robert Andrich cleared uncompromisingly alongside him. In France, the DFB offense had been given much more space, and this time striker Kai Havertz was a bit up in the air.
The visitors made occasional pinpricks in attack. After a free-kick, Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt looked for Dortmund’s Donyell Malen with his head, but Ilkay Gündogan saved at the highest level (33′).
Joker Füllkrug makes the difference
The DFB team struggled to get going after the break and the German team’s stability was put to the test during this phase. However, a free-kick from ex-Munich player Daley Blind from a good position flew over the goal (54′).
Nagelsmann reacted with a double substitution after just under an hour. Chris Führich and Pascal Groß replaced Gündogan and Andrich, but Depay had the next big chance (61′). Thomas Müller and Füllkrug were later given their chance, while Wirtz and Havertz left the pitch. Musiala (76′) and Müller (83′) then failed to beat Verbruggen, who reacted strongly – then BVB striker Füllkrug celebrated his eleventh goal in his 15th international match after a Kroos corner. He scored with his shoulder to make it 2:1 for the DFB team