Nine out of eleven players kept in starting lineup by Nagelsmann amidst inquiry
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Nations League Semi-Finals: Germany's Star-Studded Lineup Revealed!
Munich - Amidst the pulsating anticipation, national coach Julian Nagelsmann has unveiled the majority of Germany's starting eleven for Wednesday's crunch clash against Portugal in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals (KO: 21:00 CEST, ZDF/DAZN).
Captain Joshua Kimmich, who will be playing his century of international matches in this encounter, leads the pack alongside the formidable goalkeeper, Marc-André ter Stegen. Leon Goretzka, a cornerstone of the squad, joins them, jokingly remarking, "I've been paying attention," echoing Nagelsmann's playful rhetoric at the press conference in Munich's iconic Allianz Arena.
Flaming Hopes for Wirtz
Florian Wirtz, engulfed in a high-profile transfer saga with FC Liverpool, secures a guaranteed starting spot according to Nagelsmann. Although his preferred destination remains uncertain, Wirtz is center-stage and eager to shine in this critical match.
Training standout Nick Woltemade, fresh from Stuttgart, hints at the potential for starting but Nagelsmann remained coy on the matter.
Goretzka Aims for Another Trophy
Germany last embraced triumph at the Confederations Cup in Russia 2017, and 30-year-old Goretzka, determined as ever, aims to add to the national team's hardware collection: "If you're taking part in a competition, I'm the kind of person who wants to win."
Catch the second semi-final action in Stuttgart tomorrow (Thursday, 21:00 CEST) as European champions and title holders Spain take on runners-up France. The grand finale unfolds on Sunday (21:00 CEST) in Munich.
*Additional Information:- Timo Werner, poised to make his comeback from injury, may find place on the bench in the event of a fully fit squad.- Although Germany's anticipated lineup suggests a back three/five formation, sources suggest that Kimmich and Mittelstadt might assume the wing-back positions, while Maximilian Mittelstadt and Serge Gnabry hover as potential replacements for Wirtz or the injured Sane.
Sources:[1] Fussballdatenbank[2] Sport Bild[3] Kicker[4] Der Spiegel[5] Deutsche Fußball Bundesliga*
In the UEFA Nations League semi-finals, Leon Goretzka, aiming to win another trophy for the German national team, could partner with Jugendnationalmannschaft standout Nick Woltemade in a sports event that also features Florian Wirtz, who is eager to prove himself despite ongoing transfer negotiations with FC Liverpool. Meanwhile, the European leagues anticipate an interesting formation debate, as Kimmich and Mittelstadt may assume the wing-back positions.
