In an interview with AFP subsidiary SID, the 2014 World Cup-winning captain said the true test of the tournament’s success was “when I sense greater solidarity in our society, in Germany, and Europe.”
Lahm, who played as a full-back, participated in the 2006 World Cup, the most recent occasion when Germany hosted a major football tournament.
That World Cup, known domestically as the ‘Summer Fairytale’, was credited with bringing the country together as well as helping change Germany’s reputation abroad and the country’s perception of itself.
Phillip Lahm said the social impact was a major motivating factor in deciding to take on the job.
“When I think back to the 2006 World Cup at home and what this tournament did to our country, it was clear to me that it is a great task, a privilege.”
“I wanted to organize a tournament that is reflective of the times. That means social sustainability, bringing people together to celebrate ourselves and our shared values.”
He continued, “Around a tournament, a city can do a lot to show what it stands for. The Euro can be used to illustrate our democratic, European values.”
The Euro 2024 tournament begins with Germany taking on Scotland in Munich on Friday, shortly following a week in which far-right parties saw significant success in elections throughout the continent.
The ruling Social Democrats secured only 14 percent of the vote, marking their poorest performance in history.
“I hope at the very least the Euro will lead to a more united Germany again,” said Lahm.
On the field, there is a positive shift in the mood in Germany after nearly ten years of disappointing outcomes.
Despite having claimed three European Championship titles and four World Cup victories, Germany reached the semi-finals in 2016 but has since endured a string of underwhelming performances in major tournaments.
Germany faced an early elimination at the group stage in the 2018 World Cup in Russia, marking their earliest exit in 80 years.
Following this, they experienced a similar fate at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. These disappointments were flanked by an exit at the last 16 stage in Euro 2020 at the hands of England.
Julian Nagelsmann was named coach late in 2023 after Hansi Flick became the first manager to be sacked in German history.
‘Enthusiastic and Euphoric’
After a difficult beginning, Germany improved in 2024, winning three and drawing one of four friendlies.
“It helps when the German team plays exciting football… after disappointing results recently, the team was under pressure,” said Lahm.
“Now that they have played well, you can feel that the public is enthusiastic and euphoric.”
Lahm opened the scoring in the first game of the 2006 World Cup with a superbly curved shot into the top corner, sparking Germany’s path to an exciting 4-2 victory against Costa Rica in Munich.
Philipp Lahm Getting Germany’s Party Started In World Cup 2006
Looking forward to Friday’s preliminary event in the same stadium, the 40-year-old said: “A good start is very important. For the atmosphere, but of course also for the team.
“If you get three points in the first game, that gives you security and it would spark even more euphoria. I get goosebumps when I think about the opening game. I am firmly convinced we will see a successful Euro,” added Lahm.
