Euro 2016: Four reasons why Germany look the strongest team

Germany have eased through to the quarter-finals, they are still undefeated and are yet to concede a goal, the team is getting stronger as the tournament progresses, an ominous sign for all the other sides that remain in the competition. The Germans have demonstrated over the past three weeks that they have what it takes to go all the way in the Euros.

Germany finished top of their group with two wins and a draw, next up for them was Slovakia, potentially a dangerous opponent, although we have come to realise Germany rarely underestimates their opposition, and it was no different against Slovakia. A 3-0 victory booked Germany’s place in the last eight, dismantling their opponents in this way proved that this German side has many strengths, with few weaknesses. Here are four reasons why Germany look the strongest team remaining in the competition.

Yet to concede a goal

Germany have played four games so far in the competition, keeping four clean sheets in the process, the team is well organised and have some of the best defensive players in Europe at their disposal, breaking them down has proven to be difficult, and it will stay that way if they continue to perform at the top of their game.

Manuel Neuer is a key figure for Germany

Manuel Neuer has established himself as one of the best ever to play in goal for Germany, in the last five years, he has earned himself the reputation as being the best keeper in European football due to his performances for Bayern Munich and his national side. His ability to produce outstanding saves in important moments of a game is second to none, making him indispensable to the German team.

Germany possesses two of the top centre-backs in the competition in Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels. They form an excellent partnership together at the back, they are solid defensively and both are comfortable on the ball, which will ensure the Germans remain difficult to break down, while at the same time it also means they can play out from the back with confidence. As a partnership, these two form one of the best in international football.

Control of central midfield

Toni Kroos has been exceptional for Germany at Euro 2016

Linking the play between defence and attack is hugely important in international football, we have witnessed in the past successful teams which have men in the middle of the pitch who are strong technically and have the ability to control a game, and this German side has the players at their disposal to do just that. In their previous four games, Germany have controlled the tempo, that has mainly been down to the performances of their central midfield duo.

Toni Kroos and Sami Khedira are the two players tasked with anchoring the defence, keeping possession of the ball, and setting up attacks from deep. When both are at the top of their game, the pair forms a perfect partnership. Khedira is often the unsung hero of the team with his tough tackling and powerful runs forward, while Kroos is the technician, the man who more often than not finds an exceptional pass to break down the opposition’s defence. Germany rely heavily on Kroos and Khedira, so far neither of them has let their side down in the competition, and with these two in the team, Germany have a great chance of further success.

Serious goal threat

Mario Gotze started the competition up front for Germany, however, the experiment failed to produce anything of significance on the pitch. Joachim Loew decided to change his attacking lineup by bringing in a recognised striker, the change worked as Germany now look far more threatening going forward.

Mario Gomez has excelled up front since he came into the starting XI, scoring two goals in the competition so far, his presence up top has given his side a new lease of life. For Germany to perform at their very best, they need a striker who can hold the ball up, provide a link in the final third, and put away the chances that fall their way, and in Gomez, Germany have found the player to do each of these things.

Germany have one of the best goalscorers in the game in Thomas Muller, despite the fact he’s failed to score so far in the competition. Muller has proven over several years that he is a big game player, so don’t be surprised if his level improves as we enter the quarter-final stage. Mesut Ozil is also a key player for Germany, his vision and execution of a pass often produce something special in the final third of the pitch. Ozil is an expert at breaking down tough defences, he’s one of the main reasons why Germany will continue to create chances to score.

Experience of winning a major tournament

The pressure of reaching the final stages of a major competition won’t affect the German players as many of them already have the experience of playing at this level for their national side. This squad consists of many of the same names who guided Germany to World Cup glory in 2014, and if they can perform on the biggest stage to win a World Cup, then they can reproduce that form in the later stages of the Euros.

The German squad after their triumph at the 2014 World Cup

The likes of Neuer, Boateng, Hummels, Kroos, Muller, Gotze and Ozil all played an important role during Germany’s World Cup success in Brazil. Benedikt Howedes, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Andre Schurrle also contributed to their side’s success two years ago in the World Cup, all of these players are in the German squad once again, aiming to deliver back-to-back major trophies.

Germany possesses a squad full of ability and determination, the players are capable of taking their side all the way to lifting the European Championship trophy in France. Also, if it comes down to experience, this German squad has plenty of it, their players have played at the highest level internationally, winning the biggest prize available just two years ago, and they are capable of repeating that success in the Euros.

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