Luxembourg’s Remarkable Journey Towards Historic Achievement
Luxembourg, a small country with a population of just over half a million, is on the verge of making history by qualifying for its first ever major international football tournament. The road to success has been a long and challenging one for the Luxembourg national team, who have endured years of heavy defeats and disappointment. However, recent developments and changes within the Luxembourg Football Federation have led to a significant improvement in their performance and the team now sits just two games away from securing a spot in the Euro 2024 finals.
Building a Strong Foundation: The Creation of the National Football Academy
Luxembourg’s journey towards success can be traced back to the creation of their national football academy in 2001. Before this, the team struggled due to the lack of professional players. However, the establishment of the academy provided young players aged 12-19 with the opportunity to train almost every day of the week, alongside one international friendly match. This intensive training regime has allowed Luxembourg to develop a pool of talented players, many of whom have gone on to play for top-level clubs in Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy.
Changing Mentality and Style of Play
In addition to the establishment of the football academy, a change in mentality and style of play has also played a crucial role in Luxembourg’s success. Luc Holtz, the longest-serving manager in international football, took over as national coach in 2010 and immediately set out to change the players’ mindset. Instead of playing defensively, Holtz implemented a more attacking style of play focused on ball possession and pressing high. This change in approach has been instrumental in Luxembourg’s improved performances and results.
Inspiration from Iceland
Iceland, another small European nation, has served as an inspiration for Luxembourg. Despite their size, Iceland managed to qualify for both a European Championship and a World Cup in recent years. Holtz believes that Iceland’s success demonstrates that the size of a country is not what determines its success in football, but rather its mentality. Luxembourg has drawn with strong teams such as France and Italy and even secured a victory against Switzerland, further highlighting their progress and potential.
A Diverse Squad and High Immigration
Luxembourg’s success has also been aided by its diverse squad, which includes players with different backgrounds. The country has a high immigration rate, with 49% of its population being foreigners. This has allowed the national team to recruit players from various backgrounds, including a significant Portuguese community. The likes of Miguel Goncalves, Leandro Barriero, and Gerson Rodrigues, who hail from this community, have made significant contributions to Luxembourg’s success.
Looking Towards the Future
As Luxembourg prepares to face Georgia in the opening Euro 2024 play-off, the team and its supporters are filled with optimism and excitement. While acknowledging that they are not the favorites in these matches, Luxembourg remains hopeful and determined to secure their place in the finals. Coach Holtz believes that his young squad has not yet reached its maximum potential and sees great potential for further progress in the coming years.
Conclusion
Luxembourg’s remarkable journey towards historic achievement serves as an inspiration to small nations aspiring to make their mark in international football. Through the establishment of a national football academy, a change in mentality and playing style, and the recruitment of diverse talent, Luxembourg has transformed its footballing fortunes. As they stand on the brink of qualifying for their first-ever major tournament, Luxembourg’s success story is a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and belief in one’s abilities.