Toni Kroos has counseled his German compatriots to relish the formidable yet distinctive challenge accompanying Euro 2024. With Julian Nagelsmann at the helm, the squad is gearing up for the opening clash this Friday.
Since their creditable third-place finish in the 2006 World Cup, this marks the DFB’s first significant competition on their home turf. That year, they bowed out in the semi-finals to Italy, who clinched the title.
Germany’s first match pits them against Scotland at the Munich Football Arena. Their journey in Group A will also see them face Hungary and Switzerland.
Kroos, who plans to hang up his boots post-tournament, is keen for his comrades to value the privilege of competing on their national soil.
“Playing tournaments at home always brings a unique kind of pressure,” the influential midfielder remarked during a media briefing.
“Acknowledging this pressure is essential; yet, it’s crucial to savor it. Our goal is to set a positive tone, especially given our previous performances,” Kroos continued.
“It’s a massive honor and thrill to participate in such an event. How often does an athlete get that chance?” he mused.
After disappointment in recent global competitions, including successive first-round exits at the World Cups and a last-16 defeat to England at Euro 2020, Germany is eager for a turnaround.
Diverse performances characterized their recent friendlies, including a stalemate with Ukraine and a close 2-1 victory over Greece.
Kroos is optimistic yet realistic about the home team elevancing their level of play. “We acknowledge our squad’s potential,” he noted. “There’s an evident need for improvement at certain junctures in the game.”
“This tournament presents an ideal backdrop to prove our capabilities. Addressing these dips in performance is critical, as any slip-ups could be severely penalized by other teams, bringing our campaign to an abrupt halt,” he concluded.
