The anticipation for Euro 2024, the largest sports event in Germany in almost twenty years, does not seem to be as high as expected. A poll conducted for public broadcaster ARD revealed that more than one in four Germans have no interest in the upcoming tournament. This lack of enthusiasm comes as a surprise to organisers and the Germany national team, who were hoping to recreate the enthusiasm seen during the 2006 World Cup, known as “the summer fairy tale.”
Germany, a powerhouse in football, has not made a significant impact on the international stage in the past decade. With early exits from consecutive World Cups in 2018 and 2022, the team’s performance has been lackluster. However, under the leadership of new coach Julian Nagelsmann, there have been signs of improvement. The team has shown promising results in their recent friendly internationals, winning two matches and drawing one. Despite this, the general population’s interest in the upcoming tournament remains low.
In addition to the lack of interest, Germans have also expressed worries about security during the Euro 2024 tournament. A considerable 42% of respondents in the poll stated that they were concerned or very concerned about security measures. This comes as a response to recent events and the threat of potential attacks from various groups, including Islamic extremists, hooligans, violent individuals, and cybercriminals.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser assured the public that Germany is taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of attendees during the tournament. With an expected 2.7 million people attending matches in stadiums and approximately 12 million in fan zones for outdoor viewing, security is a top priority. Despite no concrete indications of threats, Germany is ramping up security measures to prevent any potential risks and make the event safe for everyone involved.
Overall, the combination of low interest among the population and concerns about security poses a challenge for Euro 2024 organisers and the Germany national team. As the tournament approaches, efforts will need to be made to generate excitement among the public and address security issues to ensure a successful and safe sporting event.