If NFL Franchises were EURO 2020 Teams: Part 4
By Tadhg Flynn
2. Germany – NFL Franchise Comparison: Pittsburgh Steelers
Next game: vs. England, Tuesday, June 29
Germany is a giant of world soccer. Four-time World Cup Champions, and three-time EURO winners, they enter every tournament with the expectation of an entire country to win. Germany have appeared in more finals of EURO tournaments than any other team, and anything less than the trophy will be a disappointment.
Germany has been inconsistent in the last 20 years by their lofty standards. They have won only 1 trophy since 2000, the 2014 World Cup, and fans expect more. Their team has been very good all through this period, filled with stars playing at the very highest level of football.
The current team includes players such as Manuel Neuer, Leroy Sane, Kai Havertz and more. What has let Germany down in recent years seems to be motivation. Opponents at the very highest level have wanted to win more than the German team, and the passion and endeavor can make the smallest difference. France and Spain have shown more spirit and desire in recent years.
With valuable international football experience draining from the team with retirements in the coming years, there won’t be many more chances for this group of players to get another trophy. They will hope their undeniable quality comes to the fore in their next few matches.
If there is any team that matches the strength and domineering nature of Germany in the NFL, it surely has to be the Pittsburgh Steelers. Their fans are loud and confident. Their football has always been dominant and imposing on other teams. However, the past number of years have been a barren time for the team.
They have had no Super Bowl appearances since 2011 and the core of the current roster may be aged past their peak. They still go out every game and expect to win, but they might not have the substance behind it against the very best teams in the NFL. Pittsburgh fans should get behind Die Mannschaft loud and proud, expecting their team to win it all despite the obvious signs they might not.