Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Germany boss focused on Jamal not Yamal in QF

Written by 
Published in Soccer
Thursday, 04 July 2024 12:10

STUTTGART, Germany -- Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said his focus is "not so much on Yamal but Jamal" ahead of Friday's Euro 2024 quarterfinal against Spain, which pits two of the tournament's young stars against each other.

Germany forward Jamal Musiala, 21, has impressed in the hosts' run so far, scoring three goals in four games, including one in the round of 16 win over Denmark in Dortmund last weekend.

Lamine Yamal, meanwhile, became the youngest-ever player to feature at the Euros aged 16 years 338 days old in Spain's opening game against Croatia and his wing play, along with teammate Nico Williams, has been one of the prominent features of La Roja's progress.

"My focus is not so much on Yamal but Jamal," Nagelsmann said in a news conference at the Stuttgart Arena, where Friday's mouthwatering tie will be played.

"We have a lot of quality ourselves and many approaches to fight a team who likes ball possession. We have variants. Spain will have difficulties to adapt as well. It is also our approach to have the ball.

"Spain try to press very high. When they lose the ball, but also when they have the ball they try to get the ball as high as possible. They are good in transition now when they win the ball as well.

"It's not so much tiki-taka anymore. It's how they create more chances, more than in the past, but they also take risks and we can find solutions in these situations in a football way -- and I think we will do that tomorrow."

Pressed on the threat carried by Lamine Yamal, Nagelsmann was complimentary towards the Barcelona player, although he feels Germany could capitalise on his inexperience.

"He is a big talent," the German coach added. "He was really consistent this season, not many players are at his age, but his challenge now is to deliver that for many years.

"He has good qualities, he is very good one-on-one. You can't always defend him, he is so variable, he goes inside and outside. His left foot is strong but he can use his right.

"We have to be prepared, but on the other hand, he does not have so much experience when things don't go his way or opponents tackle stronger, but it's not our plan to hit him in the socks."

That perceived youthfulness and inexperience was also highlighted earlier in the week by former Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, with Lamine Yamal replying on Thursday by saying Spain will respond to his remarks on the pitch.

There has also been a playful back-and-forth between former Real Madrid teammates Joselu and Toni Kroos, with the former saying he hopes Friday will be the latter's last game as he will retire after Euro 2024.

It has helped build the atmosphere ahead of the game.

"It's a quarterfinal at a European Championship, of course it's spicy," Nagelsmann joked. "But I don't think anything bad has been said, it's all been with humour."

Germany have underachieved at recent major tournaments, failing to reach a semifinal at a Euros or World Cup since 2016, and came into the finals under pressure to deliver in front of their home support.

Midfielder Ilkay Gündogan feels they have achieved the minimum expected from them by reaching the quarterfinal and they can now look forward to the possibility of going even further in the competition.

"The pressure was very high [at the start] because people want us to do well and recent history shows in tournaments we have not been good enough," Gündogan said in a news conference.

"We have since played good football and got good results. Now we are in the quarterfinal facing an amazing opponent. It's do or die and both teams will play the game like it's a final.

"We are looking forward to a challenge we are facing with a smile because we have done the minimum we had to do and expected from ourselves.

"From now on, it's the icing on the topping -- I think that is the saying. We are feeling super prepared for a very difficult game. There is no reason to not be confident."

Read 123 times

Soccer

Marta, Orlando Pride win 1st NWSL Championship

Marta, Orlando Pride win 1st NWSL Championship

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsKANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Barbra Banda's goal stood up as the winner to l...

Ipswich vs Man United: VAR stopped by fire alarm

Ipswich vs Man United: VAR stopped by fire alarm

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsVAR was temporarily suspended during Manchester United's clash at I...

Amorim era begins with fastest Utd goal of season

Amorim era begins with fastest Utd goal of season

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsRúben Amorim was made to wait just 81 seconds for the first goal of...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

'Phenomenal' Pippen Jr. shines in dad's ex-arena

'Phenomenal' Pippen Jr. shines in dad's ex-arena

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsScotty Pippen Jr. already had plenty of fond memories of watching h...

Ball's career-best 50 not enough as Hornets fall

Ball's career-best 50 not enough as Hornets fall

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLaMelo Ball became the third-youngest player in NBA history, and th...

Baseball

Hays, Finnegan, Rodgers among new free agents

Hays, Finnegan, Rodgers among new free agents

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- Outfielder Austin Hays and right-hander Kyle Finnegan -...

Judge giving Soto space amid free agency frenzy

Judge giving Soto space amid free agency frenzy

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- Aaron Judge is one of the few people on Earth who can r...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated