In 1998, France won the World Cup, followed by the Euro in 2000. In 2008, Spain won the Euro, followed by the World Cup in 2010 and another Euro title in 2012. Two years ago, Germany finally ended their 24-year long wait to be crowned world champions when they clinched the title in Brazil. And now, die Mannschaft hope to conquer the field at UEFA Euro 2016 as they seek their first prize since 1996.
Germany
Joachim Löw's men are viewed as one of the heavy favorites to win it all in France. However, their qualifying campaign was not without some hiccups - namely two defeats to Poland and the Republic of Ireland. Furthermore, Germany come into this tournament having experienced mixed results in their warm-up friendlies, with wins against Italy and Hungary, and losses to England and Slovakia.
Still, die Mannschaft have a proven track record of stepping it up when it counts - at major international tournaments. In fact, the press have had another nickname for the squad for quite some time, Turniermannschaft which translates to "Tournament team". And with the exception of Euro 1984, and more recently, the 2000 and 2004 editions, Germany have finished in first, second, and or third spot. They will be looking to surpass Spain by clinching their fourth Euro title, but the reigning World Cup champions are not without worries of their own.
For starters, there are major concerns in defense. Roma defender Antonio Antonio Rüdiger suffered an unfortunate knee injury and had to withdraw from the squad. And both Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels are not 100 per cent fit, with the latter struggling with a hamstring problem. There are other players who will be expected to step up, with Müller being one, as well as Mesut Ozil, if Germany want to continue their track record of performing well at Euro competitions.
Mesut Ozil is one player who fans will be hoping will be in inspired for for Germany at Euro 2016
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Plus, due to injury, neither Marco Reus nor Ilkay Gundogan will be available as other options for Löw's side. Fortunately, Germany have a good track record against upcoming opponents Ukraine, as well as in opening matches at their past 11 Euro competitions. In addition, die Mannschaft have won six out of their last seven Euro matches, whilst scoring at least two goals in those games.
Ukraine
Meanwhile, Ukraine national team boss Mykhaylo Fomenko will be seeking to cause Germany some major headaches as they aspire to qualify from their group. This is Ukraine's second Euro tournament, after sealing a spot at the 2012 edition automatically by hosting the competition, and to get to France, they had to go through a tough play-off tie against Slovenia.
Key for the Ukrainians will be star men Andriy Yarmolenko and Yevhen Konoplyanka. The Dynamo Kiev and Sevilla players have netted 25 and 13 goals for the side respectively and they will be relied on to provide support to Dinpro striker Roman Zozulya. In terms of concerns, both Oleh Husyev and Artem Kravets are reportedly struggling for full match fitness and as such may not be featuring from the start in the team's first game this Sunday.
Ukraine are viewed as major underdogs for this match, but they certainly will be keen on frustrating World Cup winners Germany as they hope to clear the group stages for the first time
Which channel is broadcasting Germany vs Ukraine on TV or Online?
Not able to make it to the Stade Pierre Mauroy to catch Germany vs Ukraine live? No problem. LiveSoccerTV.com has put together plenty of options for you to tune in via TV, computer, phone, or tablet.
Here are some choices for fans residing elsewhere in France and in the following countries:
- In the USA at 15.00 EST on: ESPN, WATCH ESPN, ESPN3 USA, ESPN Deportes TV
- In Germany at 21.00 CET on: Sport1.FM, ORF 1, SRF zwei, ARD Das Erste, ORF TV Live Streaming
- In France at 21.00 CET on: beIN Sports 2, beIN Sports 1, TF1, beIN SPORTS CONNECT France
- In Ukraine at 22.00 EEST on: Belarus TV, Kanal Ukrayina
- In the UK at 20.00 BST on: BBC One UK, BBC Radio 5 Live, STV Scotland
- In Canada at 15.00 ET on: TSN Radio 1040 | 1410 Vancouver, TSN1, RDS 2, TSN4
Live elsewhere? Check out our special Germany vs Ukraine broadcast page for viewing times and options for your current location.
*Note: Live broadcast data is subject to change*
Germany vs Ukraine - Did you know?
- Germany have never lost a fixture against Ukraine (three wins, two draws)...
- ...but they have yet to beat Ukraine outside Germany (both wins were on home turf)
- Die Mannschaft are featuring in their 12th straight Euro competition
- The 2014 World Cup winners have never lost their opening Euro match (six wins, five draws)
- Thomas Müller may have no problems scoring at World Cups (ten goals) but the Bayern man has yet to open his account at a Euro tournament
- The last meeting between Germany and Ukraine was on November 11, 2011 (11.11.11). That match finished as an entertaining 3-3 draw in Kiev
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
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