The German national football team is set to host Ghana in Stuttgart this Monday at 20:45 CEST, marking their final test match before the upcoming World Cup. Following a thrilling 4:3 victory over Switzerland in Basel just three days ago, head coach Julian Nagelsmann is eager to secure another morale-boosting win as preparations intensify for the tournament co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, which kicks off on June 11.
This fixture represents the last opportunity for players to prove themselves before the German Football Association (DFB) announces the official World Cup squad on May 12. Nagelsmann has confirmed several changes to the starting lineup. Local favorite Alexander Nübel of VfB Stuttgart will take his place between the posts, though the coach emphasized that Hoffenheim's Oliver Baumann remains the designated number one for the tournament. Eintracht Frankfurt's Nathaniel Brown is slated to start at left-back, while Stuttgart forward Deniz Undav has been promised minutes in the attack.
For Ghana and their head coach Otto Addo, the stakes are remarkably high. Despite successfully qualifying for the World Cup, the former Bundesliga professional—who was born and raised in Hamburg—finds himself under mounting pressure. The Black Stars are desperate to bounce back from a heavy 1:5 defeat to Austria last Friday.
Both camps are acutely aware of the tactical challenges ahead. Nagelsmann anticipates a defensive approach from the visitors: "We expect them to sit deep and play on the counter with their fast wingers to hurt us. That is how they scored against Austria. We do not believe they will press high or want the ball."
German defender Jonathan Tah also highlighted the specific demands of the matchup: "African football is a bit different. Very intense, a lot of duels, good one-on-one players. We will be challenged."
Meanwhile, Alexander Nübel is relishing the chance to play in front of a familiar crowd. "I am extremely excited. It is practically my living room in Stuttgart. Family and friends are there. I can hardly wait to play," the goalkeeper shared.
On the opposing side, Otto Addo is demanding a strong reaction from his squad. "After the game against Austria, we have to make amends. I want to see different body language and players leading the way on the pitch," Addo stated. "We must not walk into a trap. Fast transition play is Germany's biggest strength. We have to be extremely vigilant."
Historically, Germany boasts an unbeaten record against the African nation. In their three previous encounters, the German side has claimed two victories and one draw. Their first meeting, a 1993 friendly, ended in a commanding 6:1 win for Germany. The two teams later clashed in the group stages of the World Cup, with Germany winning 1:0 in South Africa in 2010, followed by a 2:2 draw in Brazil in 2014.
We use cookies to improve your experience. Privacy Policy