Belief Returns For Toni Kroos And Germany Before Spain Showdown

Host nation Germany face Spain in Friday's Euro 2024 quarter final in Stuttgart riding a wave of belief not seen in the proud football nation for almost a decade. After a series of poor performances at major tournaments, the most decorated nation in European football history are again confident of a deep run. Germany veteran and 2014 World Cup winner Toni Kroos said Wednesday "the goal is to win the tournament". "We want to go a lot further and in the dressing room we are very convinced we will achieve that."

The bold stance is a far cry from nine months ago, when Hansi Flick became the first coach sacked in Germany history after a 4-1 demolition by Japan in Wolfsburg. 

His replacement Julian Nagelsmann only won one of his first four games in charge, but in March laid the groundwork for a successful Euro run. 

Nagelsmann made 11 changes to the squad, bringing in players from eventual Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen and surprise runners-up Stuttgart, while axing several big names.  

But Nagelsmann's most crucial step was bringing back Kroos, who had stepped down from international football in 2021. 

The midfielder has excelled in what will be his final tournament before retiring from football completely. 

'Won games we would have lost'

The clash between the tournament's two most impressive teams -- and the only sides to have won three Euros titles -- would be a marquee matchup for the final in Berlin. 

But with other pre-tournament favourites like France, England and Portugal stuttering, whoever emerges victorious on Friday will be favoured to go all the way to the German capital. 

With four wins in four, Spain are the only side to have tasted victory each of their matches at Euro 2024 and have scored nine goals