Tomorrow is the day that many have looked forward to for months – Germany plays again as a Nationalmannschaft (f, national team) in the European Football Championship, or short Europameisterschaft. Delayed by a year due to das Coronavirus, the Euro 2020 started a few days ago and runs through July 11. To celebrate its 60th anniversary, the championship is held in 11 European countries instead of just in one host country. And many of the games are held in the home countries of participating nations. Just like the game tomorrow, which is held in München (Munich). What’s at stake? Does Germany stand a chance? And how can you keep up with the German commentary? Here’s some info to prepare you for a German Fußballabend (m, football evening)!

How are Germany’s Chances?

The Allianz Arena in Munich, where 3 games of Group F will take place (Photo by Herr Bohn on Unsplash)

Wird Deutschland Europameister? (Will Germany become European Champion?)

After getting the world title in 2014, it is well possible that Germany beats out the rest of Europe, too. Although, the 2018 World Cup in Russia proved disastrous for the deutsche Nationalelf (f, German national “eleven”). At the time World Champion, they didn’t make it past the Gruppenphase (f, group phase)! This Blamage (f, embarrassment) caused a lot of uncertainty: Should Bundestrainer (m, national trainer) Joachim Löw go? Has the German team hit its peak and is it time for a change in the Kader (m, squad)?

Well, sort of. Löw stayed, but Euro 2020 will be his last Meisterschaft (f, tournament) as Bundestrainer. The Kader was rethought, taking out star players like Müller, Hummels and Boateng and Khedira. The first two came back, proving that they have the quality Löw believes is necessary to get to the world-class form they were once in.

Even so, ironically the Weltmeisterschaft (f, World Cup) has been more successful for the Germans than the Europameisterschaft. The last time Germany won in Europe was 1996, and they played the Finale (n, final) last in 2008. But after a defeat of 6-0 against Spain in 2020 and a 2-1 loss against North Macedonia in the WM-Qualifikation (World Cup qualifications), it doesn’t look that rosy.

But: Die Hoffnung stirbt zuletzt! (Hope dies last!) Especially when it comes to der Fußball (football).

France… A Zitterpartie?

The game tomorrow is against Frankreich (France), which is the current Weltmeister (m, world champion)! If Germany is in form, it could become a real Zitterpartie (f, nailbiter). Or it could just be a Blamage… But for which team?

Losing to France wouldn’t be a terrible loss, but losing big would still be blamabel (embarrassing). If France loses… Well, it would be unexpected. But the game is a Heimspiel (n, home game) for Germany. The Unterstützung (f, support) of the Fans (m, fans) should help the German Teamgeist (m, team spirit).

But here we are, two teams that became Weltmeister in the last decade! Let’s hope for a great game!

Do you want to know how to watch like a German? Check out this post:

How to Watch Football Like a German

Who do you think will win? Let me know in the comments below!