The Lowdown on Germany's Squad for the Nations League Semi-Finals
Nine out of the eleven interrogate Nagelsmann on starting lineup query
Munich - With the Nations League semi-final against Portugal just around the corner, national coach Julian Nagelsmann holds most of his cards close to his chest, only confirming nine out of the eleven starters for the game on Wednesday (9:00 PM CET, ZDF/DAZN). "Paying attention in training will give you a clue about your starting spot," Nagelsmann chuckled during a press conference at Munich's Allianz Arena.
Captain Joshua Kimmich, who will be making his 100th international appearance, is undoubtedly one of the confirmed starters, alongside goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen and Leon Goretzka. "I've been observant," Goretzka smirked, echoing Nagelsmann's quip.
Florian Wirtz has earned a guaranteed starting spot, despite the ongoing transfer saga between Bayer Leverkusen and Liverpool. "Wirtz seems unfazed by the situation. It's natural to think about such matters," Nagelsmann observed.
Newcomer Nick Woltemade has shown impressive form in training, but Nagelsmann remains cagey about his starting lineup, leaving open the possibility of Woltemade gracing the pitch.
Goretzka, with his 30 years of experience, yearns for another trophy for the national team. It's been eight years since their last victory at the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia. "I'm the type of player who craves success," Goretzka stated. "We're ready to claim another trophy."
Portugal's rival in the second semi-final, to be held on Thursday (9:00 PM CET) in Stuttgart, will be either European champions and title holders Spain or runners-up France. The nail-biting final will take place on Sunday (9:00 PM CET) in Munich.
Speculations regarding the probable starting lineup vary across sources:
- Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre ter Stegen
- Defenders:
- Joshua Kimmich
- Depending on the injury situation, alternates like Anton or Koch might start.
- Jonathan Tah
- Options for the left-back include Mittelstädt or Raum.
- Midfielders:
- Goretzka and Gross or Andrich are likely to pair in midfield.
- Forwards:
- Wirtz is expected to play in the attacking midfield.
- Flanking him could be Sané and Gnabry or Adeyemi.
- The striker could be Woltemade, Undav, or Füllkrug.
In the absence of key players like Jamal Musiala and Antonio Rüdiger, the lineup might need some tweaks due to injuries[2][5].
Football, with its thrilling European leagues, is an essential element in Germany's preparations for the Nations League semi-finals. The probable midfield pairing for Germany includes Leon Goretzka, who yearns for another trophy, and either Florian Gross or Timothy Andrich.
