New-look Germany side takes step forward with win over the Netherlands

(CNN)After winning the World Cup in 2014, Germany's recent regression has been as shocking as it has rapid.

A semifinal appearance at Euro 2016 is as good as it's got for Die Mannschaft since being crowned world champions five years ago, with the team proceeding to be eliminated in the group stages of Russia 2018 and relegated from their Nations League group. The on-field struggles have been mirrored by divisiveness off the pitch. Last year Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil quit international football, citing criticism from the media and the German football federation president that struck him as racist.

Fast forward to earlier this month and coach Joachim Löw, who has faced calls for his 13-year tenure to end, made the controversial decision to announce stalwarts Mats Hummels, Thomas Muller and Jerome Boateng would no longer be called up to play for the national team.

With none of the trio over the age of 30, many felt their experience and quality could still be beneficial to an ailing squad. But their absence has left space in the squad for a new generation of players, three of which scored in Germany's thrilling Euro 2020 qualifier against the Netherlands Sunday. DETAILS