Returning Kroos can turn Germany's fortunes around

Toni Kroos, the Real Madrid standout, has returned from retirement to bail out Germany and prevent them from facing embarrassment at the Euros on home soil.

The midfielder's return could bring crucial stability to a team in disarray, as they strive to reverse their misfortunes in major tournaments.

On June 23, 2018, Germany's World Cup title defense appeared to be crumbling. Toni Kroos faced a daunting free-kick situation in the 95th minute against Sweden, with his team tied 1-1 and their tournament hopes hanging by a thread. Despite seemingly impossible odds, Kroos executed a flawless set-piece, setting up Marco Reus before curling the ball into the top corner to secure a crucial 2-1 victory and keep Germany's World Cup dreams alive. However, this would mark Kroos' final significant contribution to the national team.

Following their dramatic win, Germany suffered a devastating defeat to South Korea in their final group match, ultimately crashing out of the tournament. Their Euro 2020 campaign, delayed by the pandemic, ended prematurely with a last-16 loss to England. Throughout this turbulent period, Kroos faced heavy criticism from the German press and was sidelined by some veteran players. Feeling the weight of his nation's disapproval, Kroos made the decision to retire from international football in 2021 without much remorse.

Fast-forwarding nearly three years, the situation has taken a complete turn. Under the dynamic and expansive management of Julian Nagelsmann, Toni Kroos has been reintegrated into the team. Once facing disgrace and being overlooked, Kroos now finds himself in a position of importance as the team prepares to host Euro 2024. His return isn't portrayed as a dramatic comeback or an emotionally charged event. Instead, Kroos has earned his place back in the team through his performances on the pitch. He emerges as a rejuvenated player, ready to contribute his quality to a team that was previously struggling.

Kroos was the best player at the World Cup

In 2014, Toni Kroos showcased his brilliance on the field, becoming a delight to watch for fans.

Under Joachim Low's management, Germany boasted a finely balanced midfield lineup. Bastian Schweinsteiger commanded the No.6 position with his robust tackles and precise ball distribution, while Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil provided forward momentum. Kroos seamlessly filled the gaps between these roles, demonstrating his versatility and subtle mastery of the game's tempo.

The statistics validated what was evident to observers: Kroos emerged as the standout performer of the 2014 World Cup. FIFA's Castrol Index, which evaluated every player in the tournament, awarded Kroos the highest rating in Brazil, surpassing even Arjen Robben for the top position.
His remarkable performance on the global stage caught the attention of Real Madrid, who secured his services for what now appears to be a bargain price of €30 million (£26m/$33m).

How it all fell apart

Since their World Cup triumph, Germany has faced challenges in major tournaments. Despite Kroos' inclusion in the Euro 2016 team of the tournament, the golden generation experienced a setback. Subsequent tournaments saw the team grapple with disappointments and notable failures, including an early exit in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup, despite Kroos' memorable free-kick heroics.

Euro 2020 marked the end of Kroos' international career. Germany struggled across the pitch during the tournament and suffered a comprehensive defeat to England in the round of 16. Kroos bore much of the blame, unfairly singled out as the primary issue for a team plagued by inconsistencies in various areas. Shortly after the tournament, Kroos announced his retirement from international football, citing a desire to focus on club football and acknowledging that his time with the national team had come to an end.

"I had already decided to retire after this tournament for a long time. It was clear to me that I would not be available for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar," he stated.
However, underlying his decision were other motives. Despite earning 106 caps for his country, Kroos had become the target of criticism. How could he continue to represent a nation that no longer had faith in him?

Saving his country from embarrassment

The significance of Toni Kroos' return extends beyond mere sporting prowess. Just three years ago, he faced severe criticism from his own nation and chose to step away from international football amidst mounting pressure. Given the circumstances, few would have faulted him for this decision, as it appeared his time on the international stage had reached its conclusion.

Yet, now he has made a comeback. Whether driven by personal pride or a deep sense of loyalty to his country remains a matter of debate. Nevertheless, his return comes at a crucial juncture for a team in need of a morale boost, representing a nation seeking something to rally behind ahead of a major tournament.

Kroos emerges as a beacon of hope in this scenario. While he may not possess the superstar status or individual brilliance to single-handedly win matches, he epitomizes composure and control in the heart of the midfield. As such, he has the potential to bring stability to a team that may otherwise seem chaotic.