Euro 2024: Germany, Almost Neverkusen
The inspiration for this title came after seeing a social media post by Bayer Leverkusen Nigerian striker, Victor Boniface which he posted after his club teammate, Florian Writz scored the equalizer for Germany against Spain in their quarterfinal clash earlier today in the dying stages of the second half. This is obviously tied to their team's numerous comebacks to either draw or win games during the just concluded season, which saw them win the German Bundesliga unbeaten.
I remember the commentator saying, after the game went into extra time, that Toni Kroos was seconds away from retirement. Without a choice now, he's been sent into an early retirement as he'd have loved to end on a high.
I must say that it is one of, if not the most interesting game I've watched so far at this year's European championship,. The game was end-to-end with both teams playing openly.
I wanted to Germany to qualify being the hosts and also having Kai Havertz in the team, even though I'm not a big fan of his, but you know, you always support your own, no matter what. Plus, somehow, I'm not a fan of Spain. I wonder what they have done to me. Lol. This is never to say that I dispute the amazing football they play and I'd say again that they're favourites and the team to beat at this tournament.
The game was openly and keenly contested and I think while both sides had chances which they both played down the throats of their goalkeepers, maybe Germany had a little edge with more clearer chances missed.
Kai Havertz failed to punish Unai Simon when he made that error clearance, which I think was the clearest chance of the game. Niclas Fullkrug was also guilty of missing about two clear chances in extra time.
I was really hoping they'd go to penalties and maybe Germany could nick it, but who could have guessed Gérard Moreno as the potential winner of the game. Gives the Joselu vibe in the Champions League final for Real Madrid.
Spain are on the tougher part of the draw but I won't put it past them to go all the way. By then, I won't have a choice.
A long listed player played their last EURO Cup match this year. I had a feel for Toni despite he is from a rival club I support. His career was exceptional and I hoped he will go to retirement with a big V. That's didn’t happened.
I am supporting Spain since 2008 in EURO. That's a good thing for me.
That was a good match and Fulkrug really should have equalised at the end. I was surprised that he missed.
Boring France will be an even more difficult test. That game could be difficult to watch!