Two summers ago in Brazil, Germany raised the World Cup after handling some of the world’s best teams — including a 7-1 thrashing of the hosts — along the way.
Things haven’t been going quite as well recently, as “Die Mannschaft” has dropped seven matches since becoming world champions, including home friendlies to England and Slovakia this spring.
On the eve of Euro 2016, Germany’s opponents in Group C — Poland, Ukraine and Northern Ireland — will be hoping to heap more misery on a German side that’s talented, but very much in transition these days.
The Teams (odds according to bwin.com)
Germany — 4th in the FIFA Rankings — Best finish in Euros: Winner (1972, 1980 and 1996) – 4.75/1 odds to win
Poland — 27th in the FIFA Rankings — Best finish in Euros: Group stage (2008 and 2012) – 41/1 odds to win
Ukraine — 19th in the FIFA Rankings — Best finish in Euros: Group stage (2012) – 101/1 odds to win
Northern Ireland — 25th in the FIFA Rankings — Best finish in Euros: N/A (first appearance) – 301/1 odds to win
Best goalkeeper — Manuel Neuer, Germany
The Bayern Munich man is regarded as one of the best keepers in the world and has consistently produced on the biggest stages for both club and country in his career.
He won the Golden Glove at the World Cup, and with his “sweeper keeper” style, is always an entertaining watch between the pipes.
Best outfield player — Thomas Müller, Germany
It seems he’s been around forever, but the Bayern Munich standout is only 26 years old. He has 32 goals in his 71 appearances for the national team, including five in Germany’s World Cup run.
Interestingly enough, he’s still looking for his first goal at a European Championship. He scored three times in the Euro 2012 qualifiers, but didn’t find the net in the tournament itself. It’s hard to imagine him not scoring in this one.
Player to watch — Robert Lewandowski, Poland
This Bayern Munich product plays for Poland, and Lewandowski is one of the world’s best forwards. He has 34 goals in 76 caps for his country, and he netted 13 in the qualifying campaign — tying Northern Ireland’s David Healy for the most ever in qualification.
He’s scored 67 goals in the past two seasons for his club side and is easily the most prolific forward in this group. If Poland reaches the knockout round for the first time in its history, he’ll be a big part of the reason why.
Most important game — Poland vs. Ukraine
It will be a shock if Germany doesn’t win the group, so this match on the final day of Group C play could very well be for second place.
Poland is winless in five tries against the Ukrainians since a 3-1 win in Kiev in 2000. More recently, Ukraine defeated the Poles twice in World Cup qualifying in 2013, 3-1 and 1-0.
The Ukrainians are in a little better form than Poland, coming into the tournament without a loss in their last six matches, and that momentum might just be enough to see them through. Of course, Poland will have the best player on the pitch in Lewandowski — and that can be handy as well.
Biggest story line — Will the German streak of semis stay intact?
Germany has reached the semifinal in each of the last five major tournaments in which its played. But with its recent poor form, it’s fair to ask if if that streak will reach six.
The retirement of Philipp Lahm and the declining form of Bastian Schweinsteiger brings the German defensive mettle into question, and despite being the reigning world champions, Joachim Low’s side is not the bookies’ favorite to win this tournament.
All of that said, Germany still has an abundance of talent all over the field and enough special players (Neuer, Müller, Mesut Ozil and Marco Reus) to turn close matches in its favor.
Betting against this generation of German players is a losing proposition, and the smart money will have them playing deep into this event.
Teams to move on — Germany, Poland and Ukraine
Schedule (all times Eastern)
Sunday, June 12
Poland vs. Northern Ireland, Noon, ESPN
Germany vs. Ukraine, 3 p.m., ESPN
Thursday, June 16
Ukraine vs. Northern Ireland, Noon, ESPN
Germany vs. Poland, 3 p.m., ESPN
Tuesday, June 21
Northern Ireland vs. Germany, Noon, ESPN
Ukraine vs. Poland, Noon, ESPN2
