Germany's national football team has secured its spot in the Nations League finals, set to take place in June 2025, but not without a nail-biting finish against Italy that ended in a dramatic 3:3 draw at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund. This match marked a significant milestone for the German side as they head towards the World Cup next year, showcasing both brilliance and vulnerability on the pitch.
The game became a rollercoaster of emotions, starting out brilliantly for Germany. Under the guidance of coach Julian Nagelsmann, they raced to a 3:0 lead in the first half, dominated by the sharp execution of play and a flurry of offensive partnerships. Jamal Musiala's second goal, set up by a quick corner kick taken by captain Joshua Kimmich, was a perfect example of the team's dynamism. “The decisive man is Josh, that he wants the ball quickly,” Nagelsmann remarked about Kimmich's impeccable timing during that play.
However, the tide turned sharply in the second half. Just four minutes after the break, a mispass from Leroy Sané on midfield put Joshua Kimmich in trouble, inadvertently allowing Italy's Moise Kean to score, changing the momentum of the match. Nagelsmann stated, “The game is not over at halftime,” highlighting the necessity for his players to maintain focus and intensity throughout the entire match.
Despite the initial chaos, Germany's first 45 minutes left spectators in awe and was reminiscent of their recent resurgence in international football. It was just a year prior that their revival began with an early goal by Florian Wirtz in a friendly match. As for the moment Kimmich took the corner that led to Musiala's goal against Italy, it underscored the transformation in the German team’s approach, having adapted without key injured players such as Wirtz and Kai Havertz.
The match ended in a shocking draw of 3:3, but thanks to Germany's 2:1 victory in the first leg in Milan, they progressed to the finals. The tension didn't cease as a potential Italian penalty in the 75th minute was overturned following a VAR intervention, which may have altered the outcome completely had it been awarded. The drama lasted until the final whistle, leaving many in the stadium and fans across the nation breathless.
Reflecting on the match, Kimmich noted, “It’s a mirror of the path we’re on,” indicating that the team must navigate through both victories and setbacks as they prepare for future challenges. His influence has been palpable—the Bayern Munich star demonstrated five goal involvements across both legs of the playoff, affirming his importance not just in defensive setups but in offensive contributions as well.
In the wake of his strong performance, Kimmich expressed pride in earning his 100th international cap, a significant personal achievement underscored by his recent contract extension with Bayern until 2029. The semi-final on June 4 will see Germany face off against Portugal in Munich, a setting ripe for Kimmich’s continued impact on the pitch.
Despite the excellent first half, the contrasting performance in the latter stages of the match raises questions about Germany's consistency and readiness as they look toward the World Cup. Nagelsmann himself acknowledged the rollercoaster nature of their performance, hinting that the league match against Italy would offer more insight into their true abilities than a straightforward win could provide.
Germany’s duality was stark—the confidence and composure from their first half did not carry into the second half, where their inability to cope with Italy’s resurgence almost cost them dearly. This unpredictable nature seems to be a defining characteristic as Germany heads into major tournaments, laying bare the necessity for growth and resilience.
As fans reflected on the match, it became clear that Germany must harness both the positive and negative experiences to build a solid foundation for upcoming challenges. With one eye on the Nations League finals and the other on the World Cup, the journey continues for the German national team, with lessons learned and hopes high as they prepare to reclaim their place among football’s elite.
