Germany Seal Nations League Final Four Spot After Thrilling Draw

Germany secured their spot for another summer of football following a thrilling match against Italy in Dortmund, where they managed to hold on despite squandering a three-goal advantage.

Perhaps it was the 30-minute happy hour offering free food and drinks for supporters in Dortmund that made the difference. Alternatively, it could have been Joshua Kimmich’s swift action from the corner flag. It might also be attributed to Julian Nagelsmann's German squad performing adequately at crucial moments, which allowed them to progress further. Regardless of what exactly contributed, the enthusiasm supporting this team keeps growing stronger.

Three days after the remarkable display in Milan In Germany’s match against Italy, both teams tied 3-3, resulting in an overall score of 5-4 that secured Germany's place among the final four contenders for the Nations League. This event will also be hosted by them. Nagelsmann aims to replicate Spain’s success from the previous year when they claimed victory in the Nations League before going on to triumph at the Euros last summer. Despite some instability during what was otherwise a manageable game, this ambition remains very much intact.

Germany seemed to seal their victory early when Joshua Kimmich scored once and assisted twice before halftime. However, a misstep in the second half by the Bayern player allowed Italy an opportunity they eagerly seized, leading to a tense finish. Italian coach Luciano Spalletti had acknowledged that his team needed to perform miracles just to advance, and although they mounted a spirited effort after the break, it ultimately wasn’t enough.

Nagelsmann might believe that the second half mirrored the first, which was unjust. However, he must acknowledge that a rare mistake along with an unfortunate handball significantly contributed to Italy’s success. Despite this setback, his German squad still holds considerable strength and will get another opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities this coming season.

Germany gathering momentum

One might easily overlook the growing achievements of this squad as merely another successful football team. However, Julian Nagelsmann’s resurgence contributes significantly during a period when a nation transitions under fresh governance amid worldwide unrest. The team's triumphs and the enthusiasm they generate can uplift spirits temporarily over a weekend, serving simultaneously as a testament to sports' importance within broader societal contexts.

This week, Julian Nagelsmann expressed his concern about the diminished role of sports in schools, kindergartens, and broader society, stating that it needs improvement. With approximately 90,000 sports clubs nationwide, a study commissioned by the Federal Ministry of Health revealed that merely 22% of boys and 21% of girls meet the daily physical activity guideline of 60 minutes as advised by the World Health Organization (WHO). Nearly 80 percent fall short of this target.

Everyone is "a little more busy with themselves," Nagelsmann said. "That's why I would like the importance of exercise and sport to be greater than it currently is. Because I believe that it is good for people and children and also brings them together."

This isn't about everyone becoming a Germany international, but rather about the idea of joy and movement being forgotten. Nagelsmann's Germany is reminding everyone of that, game by game. And, perhaps in the process, this Germany team is aiding sport's standing in wider society.

Win, win

After securing victory in the playoff, Germany has bypassed a larger World Cup qualification group. Their journey to the United States, alongside co-hosts Canada and Mexico, will commence in September with matches against Slovakia, Northern Ireland, and Luxembourg.

Before all of that, however, is a second straight summer fairytale . The Champions League final and the Nations League final four in Munich all in the space of eight days in June — what a summer lies in store for football in Germany and Nagelsmann's national side are at the forefront of it.

Edited by: Wesley Dockery

Author: Jonathan Harding (Dortmund)