Lively Lineup for Nations League Showdown Against Portugal
Nine out of eleven teams: Nagelsmann maintains silence on starting lineup query
Munich - Just a smidgeon of mystery shrouds the German team's starting lineup for the UEFA Nations League semi-final against Portugal on Wednesday night (9 pm CET, ZDF/DAZN). Coach Julian Nagelsmann has all but confirmed nine players to kick off the battle, keeping tight-lipped about the final two spots. Quips Nagelsmann, "If they've been paying attention in training, they know they're playing."
Team captain Joshua Kimmich, setting his feet on his 100th international match, is guaranteed a spot alongside the returning goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen and the versatile Leon Goretzka. Laughs Goretzka, echoing Nagelsmann’s sentiments, "I've been paying attention."
Wirtz Aims High
Promising young sensation Florian Wirtz also earns the nod from Nagelsmann, even amidst the dramatic transfer saga between his current club Bayer Leverkusen and FC Liverpool. Nagelsmann shares, "I haven't noticed it's been troubling him. It's normal to think about these things." Wirtz is chomping at the bit to take the field.
Rising talent Nick Woltemade, currently with VfB Stuttgart, has been impressing at training sessions, yet Nagelsmann remains tentative about his inclusion in the starting eleven.
Goretzka Craves Trophies
Eight years since their last semifinal, the German national team covets victory and a chance to add another trophy to their collection. The last title they held was the 2017 Confederations Cup. Goretzka asserts, "When you're in a competition, I'm the kind of person who wants to win." It's high time for a victory, adds the 30-year-old.
The first semi-final pits Spain, reigning European champions and titlist, against France in the runners-up match on Thursday (9 pm CET). The grand finale will be held on Sunday (9 pm CET) in Munich, with the victor taking home the Nations League trophy.
Time for Germany to dance to a different tune, as they attempt to create their own symphony of success against Portugal.
Enjoying the excitement, promising young prodigy Florian Wirtz, despite the ongoing transfer rumors surrounding his club Bayer Leverkusen and FC Liverpool, is eagerly anticipating his opportunity on the field. Meanwhile, consistently impressive Nick Woltemade, currently at VfB Stuttgart, could potentially join Wirtz in the lineup, but coach Julian Nagelsmann remains thoughtful about his decision. On the other hand, Goretzka, with his sights set on trophies, echoes the entire team's desire to clinch the UEFA Nations League trophy, especially as this semifinal marks Germany's first appearance since 2013, and an opportunity to reclaim the glory they last tasted in the 2017 Confederations Cup.
