The Swiss European Championship dream comes true: Germany, finally!

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Heart palpitations in Hamburg. Confrontation for the European Championship group draw on the glamorous stage of the Elbphilharmonie. The world-famous and impressive concert palace on the harbor has been discreetly decorated on behalf of host country Germany for the formal kick-off of the Euro. The spotlights shine modestly on the large snow-covered European Championship ball – while on the horizon the sun disappears behind the mighty Elbe. At the foot of the Elphi the storm of photographers and fans breaks loose. The red carpet serves as a parade for the proud delegations – led by their national coaches. Such as the Spanish with Luis de la Fuente, the English with Gareth Southgate, or the Italians with Luciano Spalletti. And of course the Germans with Julian Nagelsmann – not so proud, but with an attitude that, despite the recent shocks against Turkey and Austria, at least radiates a little hope.

Murat Yakin also radiates optimism. The Nati coach has also dressed up – in a suit and tie, he makes himself comfortable in the middle of the large hall – flanked by Nati director Pierluigi Tami and SFV chairman Dominique Blanc – with a perfect view of the draw pots. UEFA’s 90-minute production is as exciting as a Hitchcock film, featuring star violinist David Garrett and a German youth orchestra.

A bang at the end

The Swiss delegation has to wait almost until the end before they can be certain about their group as a Pot 4 team. Ironically, Group A with Germany. First against Hungary and Scotland in Cologne and then against the hosts in Frankfurt – for the first time in a major tournament since the 1966 World Cup. What a blast! – Yakin also thinks: “Against Germany will definitely be great for the fans, even from a distance. Germany is the absolute favourite. But the other matches will also be exciting: Hungary and Scotland should not be underestimated. It will be a big challenge for us, but of course we want to get through the groups.”

Germany, the tournament team

Yakin consciously chooses his words carefully tonight. Lots of joy, but no excessive euphoria. After the difficult European Championship qualification, humility is the order of the day. Yakin thinks second place is realistic. He does not listen to the current lack of form of the DFB team. «The Germans have often proven that they are a tournament team. When the euro starts, they will be ready,” says Yakin. “I don’t want to overestimate the defeats in the test matches. I know it is not easy for the players either.”

Fellow coach Julian Nagelsmann obviously sees things differently. The new German national coach came as a beacon of hope for the failed Hansi Flick – and is now under enormous pressure after the 2:3 against Turkey and the 0:2 against Austria. Despite the unfortunate situation, some relief can be elicited from him before the European Championship. “It is certainly not a group of death, but it is still a very good group,” says Nagelsmann, also showing great respect for Switzerland. “It will be a small derby against Switzerland against a direct neighbor,” says Nagelsmann, while emphasizing Granit Xhaka: “He is having an excellent season in the Bundesliga. I’m sure he will demand a lot from us.”

Völler’s respect for Xhaka

DFB sports director Rudi Völler, who as a former manager of Bayer Leverkusen has taken Xhaka to his heart, is also looking forward to the match. «I know Granit very well. He is the big key figure,” says Völler, revealing that he and the Nati captain are now neighbors. “He now lives just a few yards away from me – we see each other every week.” However, Völler would prefer that ‘the chief’ – as he calls Xhaka – would prefer not to compete against Germany. “But since Granit is never injured and always plays, that doesn’t matter to me.”

Source : Blick