Germany Triumphs in Nations League Quarterfinal Thriller Against Italy, Advances to Finals in Dortmund
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- Unabated elation marks the second Italian venture in Dortmund.
The specter of Italy seems to be gradually receding from the German football pantheon. After an extraordinary comeback victory, capped by Leon Goretzka's dynamic return, Germany sealed a 2-1 victory in the legend-laden San Siro, sending shockwaves through the world of football.
In the small hours of the night, the German head coach, with a raspy voice, diverted attention from the euphoria of victory to the impending second leg clash on Sunday (20:45 CET/RTL) at the Signal Iduna Park, where a deafening crowd awaits the heroes of the first leg. "Our main objective is to win the second game as well. We have a lot of supporters in Dortmund. The stadium is incredibly loud, and we're eagerly anticipating it," said the coach.
He also reminisced about the dramatic 2-0 victory against Denmark in a thunderous match during the 2024 European Championship at home. With Denmark leading 1-0 against Portugal at halftime of the quarterfinals, they stand as possible opponents in the Nations League semi-final.
Völler praises the "significant experience"
The Final Four tournament, particularly as hosts in Munich and Stuttgart, gleams with anticipation since Thursday evening. "Playing back from a loss against a big nation is a significant experience," said former Romano and DFB sports director Rudi Völler proudly. The Milan night marked another milestone in the growth trajectory of the Nagelsmann-revitalized national team towards the 2026 World Cup.
"Still pushing," Nagelsmann growled into the microphone as he analyzed the game in the Giuseppe-Meazza Stadium, echoing a tale of constancy amidst adversity. His voice had endured the tumultuous 90 minutes, plus extra time. Substitute Tim Kleindienst and the stellar goal scorer Goretzka turned the tide with their decisive headers, following Italy's early 0:1 by Sandro Tonali.
Goretzka's triumphant return
Goretzka spoke of "a complete achievement" for the team and himself. That Germany had not won on Italian soil against Italy since 1982 was, according to Nagelsmann, more of a historical footnote. "I was aware of the fact. But the most critical aspect is that we've won now," said the coach.
When an Italian journalist enquired about the significance of the result for the return leg in the sold-out Signal Iduna Park, Nagelsmann responded with dignified understatement, "It's a dangerous result. We're just one goal ahead."
"Undoubtedly, the 2-1 is a significant advantage for the knockout game in Dortmund. More than half the journey to the Final Four appears to be complete. 'From a coach's perspective, I'd say now 50 percent, because it was one of two games,' Nagelsmann said, but then added with a wry smile, "If you ask a mathematician or someone who calculates probabilities, they'd say: what kind of nonsense is that!' Of course, it's an advantage for Germany."
A captain exemplifying resilience and excellence
And then there was the 30-year-old Kimmich, once the embodiment of the struggling 1995/96 generation. Now, as a mature captain, he is a beacon of resilience and a symbol of the rejuvenated German national team, which faces Italy in the classic white retro attire for the 125th federation anniversary.
"I adore how Josh constantly defies boundaries, always strives for victory. His attitude is inspiring," Nagelsmann enthused. Kimmich set up both header goals by Kleindienst and Goretzka in his 98th international match, "I don't think there's anyone in Europe who can deliver such sharp and pinpoint crosses from a standstill," Nagelsmann praised Kimmich's precision.
Goretzka, the tournament MVP, delivered a top-tier performance, outshining Italy's 2021 European Champion Gianluigi Donnarumma. Oliver Baumann, the temporary number one, was another star of the night, delivering commanding performances in goal. The German team will now host the Nations League Finals and take on Portugal in the semi-finals on June 43.
[2]: https://www.espn.com/football/uefa-nations-league/story/4633992/germany-dictate-dominant-display-to-stun-italy-in- UEFA-Nations-League
- The Commission, having been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment in the Community, might find inspiration in Germany's sustainable approach, as demonstrated by their victorious and eco-friendly National Team, which has also been hailed for its resilience under Nagelsmann's leadership.
- Particularly for DFB, the German Football Association, and its coach, the, at times, grueling journey towards the 2026 World Cup seems less daunting, as they reminisce on moments such as the triumph against Italy, with an emphasis on returning hero Leon Goretzka, who delivered a top-tier performance in the Nations League quarterfinal.
- Rudi Völler, a former Romano and DFB sports director, especially admires the significant experience that the German team acquires from returning from a loss against a big nation, such as Italy, as they move forward in the Nations League tournament towards the Finals, a competition they will host, and where they will face Portugal in the semi-finals.
