In a highly anticipated EURO 2024 quarterfinal clash, German head coach Julian Nagelsmann faces his toughest challenge yet as his team goes up against formidable title contenders, Spain. After showcasing an impressive performance that led Germany to their first decent tournament in nearly a decade, Nagelsmann must now strategize to handle a Spain team that clearly operates on another level.

The Germans, with a fully fit squad to select from, have received a boost as Jonathan Tah returns to the side after missing the previous game against Denmark due to suspension. This brings stability to the backline, a preference that Nagelsmann has consistently demonstrated.

Nico Schlotterbeck, who had an outstanding performance against Denmark and was named Man of the Match, may face the bold decision of being left out by Nagelsmann in favor of retaining a settled backline. Additionally, there is speculation that Maximilian Mittelstädt might be chosen over David Raum for defensive purposes, aiming to restrict the threat posed by Spain's exceptional wingers, Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal. Joshua Kimmich is expected to continue providing width for Germany.

The selection of Florian Wirtz over Leroy Sané raises questions, considering that neither player has made a significant impact in the tournament thus far. Some believe it could be an opportunity to give Niclas Füllkrug a start, but Nagelsmann has made it clear that Füllkrug is not seen as a starter in the current setup.

The remaining positions in the starting XI seem predictable. Kai Havertz is deemed indispensable, İlkay Gündoğan will captain the team, while Toni Kroos and Robert Andrich are considered vital assets. Benching Jamal Musiala, according to many, is akin to surrendering the match.

Germany's game plan and execution will be crucial in their battle against Spain. While the Germans may not bring many surprises to the table, they will rely on their strategic approach to overcome the Spanish challenge.

For further analysis and insights into the exciting matchup between Germany and Spain, listeners are encouraged to check out the Bavarian Podcast Works - Preview Show. In this podcast, they delve into topics such as fan excitement, key positional showdowns on the pitch, Nagelsmann's potential starting lineup, and predictions for the game.

Football enthusiasts can catch the Bavarian Podcast Works - Preview Show on Spotify or support the podcast through Patreon to access ad-free episodes and help enhance the coverage of the beloved team we all support. Mia San Mia.