Euro 2024: Germany desperate to restore elite status

LONDON, June 05 (Reuters): It seems remarkable that Euro 2024 hosts Germany are not automatic favourites to win a tournament they used to dominate but instead head into the month-long event desperate to restore their position as the continent's heavyweights.
In the seven Euros from 1972-1996 Germany, or West Germany, made the final a remarkable five times, winning three, but in the six since their triumph over the Czech Republic 28 years ago they have made the final only once, losing to Spain in 2008.
Last time out they were easily beaten by England in the last 16 and, following two consecutive stunning World Cup first-round exits after winning the trophy in 2014, their reputation as the ultimate tournament team is becoming a distant memory.
That decade of disappointment has left Julian Nagelsmann, who took over as coach from Hansi Flick last October, dealing with a fanbase torn between their former confidence and a stark realisation that they no longer have a team everyone else fears.