Published: March 25, 2025 ✍️ Author: Global World Sports Desk 🌐 Source: GlobalWorldCitizen.com
The German national team has booked its place in the UEFA Nations League Final Four after defeating Italy 5-4 on aggregate in a two-legged thriller. After securing a crucial 2-1 away victory in Italy on Thursday, Germany completed the job on home soil with a 3-3 draw in Dortmund on Sunday — a result that sees them advance to the finals for the first time in tournament history. The final stage will be hosted on German soil, with matches scheduled in Stuttgart and Munich.
A Game of Two Halves
The second leg at Signal Iduna Park unfolded as a dramatic tale of two contrasting halves.
Germany stormed into the lead in the first 45 minutes, delivering an electrifying performance that stunned the visitors. Goals from Joshua Kimmich (30’ pen), Jamal Musiala (36’), and Tim Kleindienst propelled Die Mannschaft to a commanding 3-0 lead at halftime.
“This was the best half we’ve had since I’ve been here,” said head coach Julian Nagelsmann post-match. “We were excellent on the ball, aggressive defensively, and took our chances clinically.”
Momentum Shifts in the Second Half
The second half, however, saw the intensity drop and familiar vulnerabilities re-emerge — reminiscent of Germany’s stumbles against Türkiye and Austria in late 2023.
“In the second half, we had to make changes as not everyone was ready for 90 minutes,” Nagelsmann explained. “We lost rhythm, conceded two quick goals, and started doubting ourselves. We passed too much sideways and backward, which disrupted our flow.”
The shift was evident as Italy mounted a comeback. Tactical substitutions failed to stabilize the team. Midfielder Pascal Groß, brought on to reassert control, struggled to find rhythm, while Nadiem Amiri added little impact. Further changes, including the introduction of Karim Adeyemi, offered no substantial uplift.
Eventually, Italy found their third goal from the penalty spot, narrowing the scoreline. Still, Germany’s first-leg cushion held firm — and with the aggregate in their favor, they marched into the final four.
Lessons Learned, Eyes on Portugal
Despite the nervy second half, the overall result marks progress for Nagelsmann’s squad — and highlights both promise and room for growth.
“I won’t dwell on the second half,” Nagelsmann said. “What matters is that we’ve seen what we’re capable of, and now we need to build on it. It’s an important step in our development.”
Germany will now turn their focus to a highly anticipated semifinal clash with Portugal — a powerhouse of European football and one of the tournament favorites.
Editor’s Note: This result marks a milestone moment for Germany as they continue to evolve under Nagelsmann’s leadership. With the UEFA Nations League finals approaching on home turf, expectations are high — and the next step in their journey promises to be just as thrilling.
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