Es tut unglaublich weh so auszuscheiden.
There’s no denying the bitterness of this defeat. Ironically, it was one of Germany’s best performances in recent years—so close to advancing, yet ultimately falling short.
After squandering a few scoring chances in the first half, the team pushed forward tightly in the second, and even in extra time, when energy visibly waned, they still managed several decent attacks. Perhaps luck just wasn’t on their side.
To be fair, the referee seemed lenient toward both teams at times. He started out issuing cards left and right, but as a Germany supporter, it’s hard not to feel puzzled by the unawarded penalty after Musiala appeared to be fouled by a handball in the box. People say there was an offside, but VAR didn’t even review it. Even if it was technically correct, it’s a tough call for fans to swallow.
Sky Sport Germany opened up the incident for debate on social media, and the top comments all insist it was a clear handball. Even Germany’s decorated former player, Schweinsteiger, struggled to understand why VAR didn’t step in.
The beauty and cruelty of competitive sports is precisely that—bringing us together while forcing us to accept the outcome as it is.
It’s a pity that this should be Kroos’ final match before retirement. After the game, Müller mentioned he can’t rule out playing on for Germany, but it might very well have been his last international appearance; Neuer also hinted he’ll need some time to decide if he’ll continue with the national team.
These players have all achieved tremendous success—Champions League titles, a World Cup victory—but winning the Euros on home soil in Germany holds a special meaning. For fans like me, these past few years have been a slow farewell to the familiar faces on the pitch. While there’s always a new generation of talent, it’s hard not to feel a sense of loss.
In this match, Havertz showed that he needs to improve his finishing—missing an open goal was a real shame. On the other hand, Wirtz, coming off the bench, played brilliantly, helping Germany push into extra time. He’s recovered from injury without losing his edge. Musiala has matured compared to past performances, showing more stability. Overall, the young players have a promising future. Füllkrug, too, is that classic German striker—time and again coming off the bench to contribute significantly.
Neuer, post-skiing injury and with age catching up, isn’t what he once was, but he still made several outstanding saves and played a crucial role in organizing the defense. Whether for Germany or Bayern, sometimes the back line can feel like it’s made of air, leaving the keeper to work miracles.
Kimmich, after COVID, isn’t physically at his best, and off-pitch controversies as well as questions about his role within the team have affected his focus. But his spirit in this match was undeniable. His header in the buildup to Wirtz’s goal was essential. Even if he wasn’t a defensive powerhouse this time, he was still pivotal in orchestrating the attack.
With Kroos retiring and Gündoğan also pondering his future, it’s hard not to worry about the stability of Germany’s midfield. The midfield’s role in regulating tempo and balance is crucial. Though Pavlović looked promising, he’ll need time to develop.
Lahm, as the tournament director and former German captain, mentioned from the start that he hoped this tournament would unite Germany once again. Regret, struggle, disappointment, joy—these are all part of football. We never know what will happen until the very end. This uncertainty is normal, and it mirrors the emotions we face in everyday life. Watching the match gives us a chance to express and release these feelings.
Maybe, as Müller suggested, we should bring these emotions into our daily lives.
‘Danke’, to the football heroes of my youth. 🥹🫶