Germany’s men’s football team has faced a turbulent period, marked by heartbreak at the Euro Cup and mounting concerns ahead of the 2026 World Cup. At the heart of these struggles lies a crisis in the goalkeeping department, with the absence of Manuel Neuer—a figure synonymous with stability, leadership, and world-class performances—casting a long shadow over the national side. The journey from Euro Cup disappointment to World Cup woes is not just about results; it is a story of missed opportunities, growing pains, and the urgent need for a legendary presence to restore confidence and direction. Euro Cup Heartbreak: The Goalkeeper’s Crucial Role Germany entered the 2025 Euro Cup with high expectations, but the tournament unfolded as a series of near-misses and defensive lapses. The team’s progression to the semifinals was a testament to resilience, but the manner of their exit—especially against Spain—highlighted vulnerabilities in their backline and, most notably, in goal. Ann-Katrin ...
Juventus went to Tuscany to play Empoli on Saturday evening.
This is what occurred.
In the first 45 minutes, Juventus fans had little to cheer about, with Federico Gatti's header saved from a Teun Koopmeiners cross.Dušan Vlahović nearly scored in the second half, but Empoli's Devis Vásquez made a crucial stop.
Juve huffed and puffed, had lots of possession, but just couldn't get through on this occasion.
The Bianconeri enjoyed a flawless start to the season, winning back-to-back games against Como and Verona, but while their defense remains rock solid, difficulties are arising in attack.
They were held to a 0-0 stalemate by Roma before leaving for international duty, and they faced a similar result in the Stadio Castellani against still unbeaten Empoli.
More was expected this evening, especially given that summer arrivals Teun Koopmeiners, Nico Gonzalez, Douglas Luiz, and Pierre Kalulu made their first starts, yet 70% possession did not translate into results.
"Keeping a clean sheet was thanks to the whole team, so creating in attack has to be the job of the whole team," Thiago Motta commented on DAZN.
"We played a little better in the second half, attempting to move it wide and push our opponents back. We had opportunities to take the lead; clearly, a draw was not what we desired, nor was the outcome what we hoped for, but it was a respectable effort, and we must continue to improve."
This is only the fifth occasion Juventus has kept a clean sheet in their first four Serie A games, following 2014-15, 1986-87, 1983-84, and 1965-66.
"We played a little better in the second half, attempting to move it wide and push our opponents back. We had opportunities to take the lead; clearly, a draw was not what we desired, nor was the outcome what we hoped for, but it was a respectable effort, and we must continue to improve."
This is only the fifth occasion Juventus has kept a clean sheet in their first four Serie A games, following 2014-15, 1986-87, 1983-84, and 1965-66.
Thiago Motta analyzes Juventus' problems.
Kenan Yildiz played a considerably broader role than he had earlier in the season, allowing Koopmeiners to play as a trequartista alongside Nico Gonzalez on the other flank for Juventus in a 4-2-3-1.
"By playing wide against a side with five at the back, we can spread them out. He possesses physical power and dribbling abilities; sometimes it worked in our favor, sometimes not. It is never simple to get through a five-man defence," said the coach.
Dusan Vlahovic was agitated and irritated, something Max Allegri has already addressed at Juventus.
"By playing wide against a side with five at the back, we can spread them out. He possesses physical power and dribbling abilities; sometimes it worked in our favor, sometimes not. It is never simple to get through a five-man defence," said the coach.
Dusan Vlahovic was agitated and irritated, something Max Allegri has already addressed at Juventus.
There was some dispute in the final seconds when Pietro Pellegri and Federico Gatti clashed off the ball, with the Empoli attacker intending a small headbutt, but the referee deemed a yellow card sufficient.
Juventus is back in the Champions League, and this is Thiago Motta's first European game as a coach.
The first match will be against PSV Eindhoven from the Netherlands.
"Playing in such a big match gives us all great pride. We put today's game behind us, focus on the positives, and prepare to face PSV. They are accustomed to dominating the domestic market and having high-quality players. I expect a balanced contest; we want to take the ball away from them and control the initiative to create those opportunities."
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