After comprehensively beating Scotland 5-1 in their opening Euro 2024 game, Germany are riding a wave of momentum that they have not felt in many years.
Being the host nation for Euro 2024, despite the privilege that it is, brings with it increased pressure and expectation, which Die Nationalmannschaft will be all too aware of the need to deliver upon.
But whether Germany can push on and thrive with their newfound momentum remains to be seen
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Disappointment of years gone by
After winning the ultimate prize in football, World Cup glory, as recently as in 2014, the German national team has been stuck in a downward spiral ever since... until now.
Die Nationalmannschaft came close at Euro 2016, but bowed out in the semi-final against France - who went on to win the entire tournament.
The 2018 Russia World Cup saw Germany, still then managed by Joachim Löw, finish dead last in Group F, behind Sweden, Mexico and South Korea.
The delayed Euro 2020 saw them finish second in Group F, though they fell at the first real hurdle, as eventual runner-ups England knocked them out in the round of 16 - it also proved to be Löw's final tournament in charge of Germany.
The 2022 Qatar World Cup offered further disappointment, as Die Nationalmannschaft finished third in Group E, behind Japan and Spain, which saw them crash out at the earliest stage possible.
After this barren run of tournaments, the atmosphere surrounding the German national team was as low as it had been for years, and serious change was needed.
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A new era
While he survived the awful 2022 World Cup result, manager Hansi Flick was eventually sacked in September 2023 after a run of five games without a win - with a 4-1 loss at home to Japan the final straw.
A brief search, lasting just 12 days, saw the DFB appoint 36-year-old Julian Nagelsmann, who had long been regarded as one of the best up-and-coming managers in football.
Before his appointment, Nagelsmann had spent just over two years with Bayern Munich, before being sacked last March, in a decision which was met with largely confused reactions - given that the decision was widely regarded as harsh at the time.
During his time with Die Bayern, Nagelsmann won the Bundesliga title as well as two DFL-Supercups.
Since his appointment, Germany have lost just twice in 10 games, a run which has seen two wins over France as well as a win against the Netherlands.
Coming into Euro 2024, they were unbeaten in four games, including the win against the Netherlands as well as one of the wins against France, who are joint favourites to win the tournament this summer.
Nagelsmann has sent waves through Germany for his squad selection, which focuses more on form than reputation, which had been the case under previous managers.
This has led to players like Waldemar Anton and Robert Andrich making their debuts under Nagelsmann, and becoming important players in Germany's squad for the European Championship.
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An electric start
Although momentum and morale were both high coming into Euro 2024, few German fans could have hoped for a better start to the tournament than their 5-1 thumping of Scotland.
It would have been the perfect start if not for an unfortunate late own goal from Antonio Rüdiger, but there can be few complaints regardless.
World-class displays from young stars like Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz were the icing on the cake, instilling much-needed hope that, after a decade of hurt, 2024 could be Germany's year.
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How far can momentum take them?
Momentum has been a luxury in short supply for the German national since 2014, but they are now riding a wave which is sending waves of excitement across the nation.
Their excellent form and exciting football, coupled with the natural buzz of a home tournament have led many to think that this year could genuinely be their year.
After their resounding win over Scotland, the hosts face tests against Hungary and Switzerland to conclude the group stage, teams that Die Nationalmannschaft will be confident of overcoming.
If they do top their group, Germany will face the runners-up of Group C, England's group, which is likely to be one of Denmark, Serbia or Slovenia - another favourable draw for Nagelsmann's side.
From here, Germany can expect tougher games but will be optimistic that the sheer talent and momentum within their squad can carry them into the latter stages, and ultimately to glory.
