The German national team is showing signs of a resurgence.

Two consecutive World Cup knockouts in the group stage were a shock for a footballing nation that had won the world championship four times. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the German national team under coach Julian Nagelsmann is showing signs of a resurgence.

GERMAN SCARS

Gary Lineker, the former English football legend, once said: "Football is a simple game, 22 players chasing a ball, and in the end, the Germans always win." That quote shows that the "German Tanks" were once an icon and role model in the world of football. However, over the past decade, that image has faded considerably. From their peak at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the German team began to decline. In 2018, they shocked everyone by being eliminated in the group stage after a defeat to South Korea. Four years later in Qatar, a similar scenario repeated itself when a loss to Japan meant Germany once again had to pack their bags and go home early. Two consecutive World Cup eliminations in the group stage is almost unimaginable for a force once considered the benchmark of football.

If they can find the perfect partnership between Musiala and Wirtz (from left to right ), the German national team will be formidable.

PHOTO: REUTERS

The crisis isn't just about the results. The Germans have lost their identity. They no longer possess the coolness, pragmatism, and stability that once helped them dominate major tournaments. Psychological issues, team structure problems, and a generational transition have made the Mannschaft more fragile than ever. Therefore, the arrival of coach Julian Nagelsmann is seen as a turning point. The young coach didn't immediately transform Germany into a title contender, but helped the team rediscover the lost unity and confidence. Sporting director Rudi Voller emphasized that Nagelsmann is rebuilding the team spirit, which was once the foundation of German football's greatest success.

Recent results have also been positive. The German national team qualified for the World Cup relatively convincingly (finishing first in Group A) and recently won against Switzerland, Ghana, and Finland in friendly matches preparing for the tournament. The 4-0 victory against Finland was particularly noteworthy, with the attacking line-up featuring Deniz Undav, Florian Wirtz, and Jamal Musiala all making their mark.

Even I must be cautious.

Looking at the current balance of power, it's difficult to rank the German national team on par with top contenders like Argentina, France, or Spain. However, that doesn't mean they are significantly weaker. The most noteworthy aspect of the German team right now lies in the balance between experience and youth. Joshua Kimmich remains a leader both technically and mentally. Antonio Rudiger continues to play a crucial role as a defensive anchor. In goal, Manuel Neuer makes a surprising return to the team, bringing with him the experience of a World Cup champion.

More importantly, Germany possesses one of the most promising generations of young attacking players in the world . Jamal Musiala could be the best game-changer in the league. Florian Wirtz is constantly improving his ability to both create chances and score goals. Alongside them are Kai Havertz, Leroy Sane, Deniz Undav, and Nick Woltemade, all of whom offer diverse approaches to the goal. They have multiple sources of goals, many players capable of creating breakthroughs, and flexibility in their playing style.

Of course, questions remain. The defense is not yet completely stable. Some young players still lack experience on the World Cup stage. Al Jazeera also noted that the quality of the German squad still needs to be tested under real pressure. But perhaps this is an advantage for the Mannschaft; they enter the 2026 World Cup in a lower position than usual, under less pressure than during periods when they were considered title contenders; sometimes that opens up great opportunities. The German national team may not be the strongest team in the world right now, but with a generation of talented players entering their prime, and a coach as imaginative as Nagelsmann, "Die Mannschaft" still possesses enough ability to make anyone who underestimates them pay the price.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/doi-tuyen-duc-with-signs-of-revival-185260602201646496.htm