Euro 2020: German media tell Joachim Low his side ‘have more than they deserve’

While the mood in the Germany camp sounds bullish, the German media cut a tentative mood on Thursday morning as they size up their last-16 Euro 2020 clash against England at Wembley.

A late Leon Goretzka equaliser against Hungary sent Germany into the last-16 on a whirlwind night in the so-called ‘Group of Death’, with the Germans at one point on the brink of elimination.

It has left the German media feeling less confident than usual ahead of facing England, despite publication BILD taunting England by labelling Wembley ‘our favourite stadium’.

German publication BILD write: ‘We are through… but nobody knows why’ on Thursday

A late equaliser from Leon Goretezka saw Germany clinch a 2-2 draw with Hungary to advance

A late equaliser from Leon Goretezka saw Germany clinch a 2-2 draw with Hungary to advance

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‘We are through… but nobody knows why!’ reads their headline reflected on a gripping match against Hungary. 

Their article, which says Germany ‘trembled’ against Hungary, adds: ‘German football is escaping its next full embarrassment by a hair’s breadth!’

‘As runners-up in the group, we qualify for the round of 16. Meet on Tuesday in England at Wembley. In our favorite stadium. A classic. But it has to get better. Much better. Otherwise we look old against the hitherto harmless English.’

The ‘favourite stadium’ remark reflects victories at Euro 96 and in the final game at the old stadium in 2000. It means that many, like captain Manuel Neuer, have only fond memories of north-west London. 

Bild’s fellow German outlet DW issue a scathing assessment of where Low’s Germany are at, saying they ‘got more than they deserved’ by finishing second in their group.

‘Ponderous in possession, short of ideas and lacking an attacking focal point, Germany looked every bit the average side they’ve been for much of the last three years,’ they said.

But DW also draw comparisons to Germany’s 2-2 draw against Ghana in the 2014 World Cup. Germany went on to win the tournament that year in Brazil.

Despite concerns over performances, BILD still describe Wembley as 'our favourite stadium'

Despite concerns over performances, BILD still describe Wembley as ‘our favourite stadium’

But for Germany boss Joachim Low, the German media will not make comfortable reading

But for Germany boss Joachim Low, the German media will not make comfortable reading

The common consensus in the German press is that Low is lucky his team are still in Euro 2020

The common consensus in the German press is that Low is lucky his team are still in Euro 2020

Welt describe England as Germany’s ‘acid test’, saying: ‘Relief and joy  are justified and understandable… The 2-2 against Hungary showed above all the weaknesses of the team. Again.

‘Germany has not yet found its way into the tournament. The round of 16 at Wembley is a real acid test for this team. Or their end.’ 

Zeit Online, meanwhile, underline the same flaws as the rest of their media counterparts but add: ‘Anyone who has already written them off against England is making a mistake.’

Frankfurt broadsheet FAZ wrote: ‘Germany won’t be able to consider themselves as favourites against England.’

‘Germany’s next opponent is a class above,’ wrote Berlin’s biggest newspaper Der Tagesspiegel. 

Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack was working as a pundit for Magenta TV and said: ‘I think we are favourites against England. 

‘They haven’t convinced me yet and they suit us better. Going forward, we don’t have to be afraid of them. But of course we need an improvement in performance.’

In the ZDF TV studio after the Hungary game, former Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker struck a more gloomy tone.

‘If we play like that again, we don’t stand a chance against teams like England,’ he said.

Germany captain Manuel Neuer is in a bullish mood ahead of the England encounter

Germany captain Manuel Neuer is in a bullish mood ahead of the England encounter 

And Joshua Kimmich backed Germany to kick on after their dramatic draw against Hungary

And Joshua Kimmich backed Germany to kick on after their dramatic draw against Hungary

Germany captain Manuel Neuer is already relishing the prospect of facing England, telling reporters after the Hungary game: ‘It’s a completely different game. 

‘England is stronger. It’s a knock-out game, anything is possible. And Wembley suits us.’

Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Munich added: ‘There is no better game. Hopefully we have now arrived at the tournament.’

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