Euro 2024 hosts in crisis after disastrous World Cup

Germany will hold crisis talks after their horrific World Cup campaign in Qatar, according to German FA President Bernd Neuendorf (via Reuters).

He has expressed disappointment at Die Mannschaft’s early exit from the tournament.

The DFB will conduct talks next week to identify the reasons for their second consecutive group stage exit at the World Cup.

The four-time world champions were eliminated in the group stage yesterday. Their 4-2 victory against Costa Rica was not enough to guarantee passage to the knockout stage.

Die Mannschaft opened their campaign with a 2-1 loss to Japan before drawing against Spain days later. Spain suffered a defeat against Japan, allowing the Asians to top the table.

“You can imagine that today there is deep disappointment,” Neuendorf told reporters on Friday at Doha airport as the team prepared to return home.

“This elimination is extremely painful. But we have to look ahead and so we will lead a process on how to deal with this.”

Neuendorf said next week he would meet with national team coach Hansi Flick, team manager Oliver Bierhoff and German Football league (DFL) chairman CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke to discuss the latest debacle.

“The expectation is for the sporting direction to have a sporting analysis of this tournament and to also develop a prospect for after the tournament and the Euros (2024) on home soil,” Neuendorf said.

“It (analysis) must also include the development of the national team since 2018. This is the demand and claim that we have. Then we will have more talks.

“I am a strong supporter of clear processes and expect to hold these talks with respect and in private. We are taking the first step before the second step.”

After two disappointing World Cup campaigns, Germany have plenty of issues to resolve.

The team made progress from the 2018 World Cup. However, finishing and defending was a problem for Die Mannschaft. There was no link between defence, midfield and attack.

They will be looking forward to hosting the 2024 European Championships. If the German team arrived in Doha with pressure on their backs, they may bear more on home soil.

Germany had qualified for the knockout phase of all World Cups until 2018. They have now failed in two consecutive tournaments. The fans and the media are angry.

Hansi Flick and his boys know they need to do better. Despite the shortcomings, the former Bayern Munich boss will keep his job.