Germany’s Nations League journey, from early struggles to home semi-finals | OneFootball

Germany open their fifth UEFA Nations League campaign tonight as Jürgen Klopp takes charge away to the Netherlands, having reached the finals only once so far.

BuLi News presents a concise recap of their previous four editions.

In 2018/19 they finished bottom and were initially relegated to League B, later spared by a format change. A goalless draw with France preceded defeats in the Netherlands and in France. A 2-0 lead became 2-2 against the Netherlands, who later lost the final 1-0 to Portugal through Gonçalo Guedes.

In 2020/21 Germany drew early with Spain, Switzerland and Ukraine, then won in Kyiv, yet twice let leads slip, including a 96th-minute Spain leveller. Wins over Ukraine, and a 3-3 with Switzerland, left them top before the decider. Spain then thrashed them 6-0 in Seville, Ferran Torres hit a hat-trick.

The 2022/23 campaign began with Joshua Kimmich levelling in Italy, then 1-1 draws with England and Hungary, Jonas Hofmann scoring in both. Timo Werner struck twice as Germany hit five past Italy, and Kai Havertz netted a brace against England, but a home loss to Hungary had already hurt their chances. They scored most in the group yet finished behind Italy and Hungary, with England relegated.

With quarter-finals introduced in 2024/25, Julian Nagelsmann’s team progressed unbeaten and, for the first time, won their opener, 5-0 against Hungary. Omitted by Klopp now, Deniz Undav hit a quickfire brace against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Jamie Leweling scored the only goal against the Netherlands in Munich. Germany then routed Bosnia and Herzegovina 7-0 as Tim Kleindienst netted his first two international goals, beat Italy 5-4 on aggregate, and hosted the finals, losing to Portugal and France, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring in both as Portugal became the first two-time winners.

Source: BuLi News

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