Julian Nagelsmann during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group A match between Switzerland v Germany, at the Arena Frankfurt in Frankfurt, Germany, on June 23, 2024. (Photo by Andrzej Iwanczuk/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said images of fans celebrating in the streets inspired the hosts to continue their Euro 2024 run, saying the “special” scenes reminded him of the 2006 World Cup on home soil.
In 2006, hosts Germany defied low pre-tournament expectations to go all the way to the semi-finals before losing to eventual champions Italy in extra-time in Dortmund.
The 2006 World Cup became known in Germany as the ‘summer fairytale’ for the tournament’s positive impact both on and off the pitch.
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