Hofmann’s goal is withdrawn
The right winger, Jonas Hofmann, was also new to the starting XI – more offensive than usual under Flick – and also caused a lot of danger with good running paths: his goal after 22 minutes was rightly disallowed after Vidobeweis because the Noch-Gladbach player was in the long Nico Schlotterbeck’s pass was just offside.
Schlotterbeck also tried to contribute a lot to the Germans’ build-up game afterwards, but allowed himself to be sloppy on several occasions, which led to dangerous counterattacks by the English. After almost half an hour, Raheem Sterling narrowly missed a cross from Harry Kane, then Manuel Neuer had to save with a class reflex against Bukayo Saka.
Havertz missed, Hofmann scored
In this phase, the Germans lost a bit of goal danger, only managed to get two headers through the “wrong nine” Kai Havertz. But first John Stones was able to block to the corner, then Havertz tried to turn with the back of his head, but didn’t get enough pressure behind the ball.
The pressure then fitted better six minutes after the restart. After a brilliant pass from Joshua Kimmich, Hofmann saved from twelve meters from the right with the full instep, Pickford raised his fist, but maneuvered the ball into his own goal – he had happier actions in his career.
Space establishes itself in the back left
The English tried for a quick answer, but found their master again in Neuer – the Bayern keeper confidently fended off a cracker from Mason Mount from 22 meters to the corner.
After almost an hour, the Germans increased the pressure again. In particular, Hoffenheim’s David Raum put enormous pressure on and, with his excellent crosses, may have contributed to the ongoing debate about the optimal position on the left-hand side of defense in the World Cup year being considered over.
New world class against Kane
There have long been no such discussions in goal, and the game against England once again underlined Neuer’s exceptional position. When Thomas Müller just missed the preliminary decision with a volley after a cross from space and missed Pickford (71st), the Three Lions almost hit back five minutes later. But after a cross pass from Jack Grealish, Neuer spread himself wide in the goal and defended superbly against Harry Kane, who was completely free at the second post.
Neuer was only beaten in the 85th minute – but Kane had it comparatively easy there. Schlotterbeck touched Kane’s heel when he stumbled in the penalty area. Kane sent Neuer into the wrong corner – England was able to celebrate an ultimately flattering point and is now back in the running after losing the opening match against Hungary,
“Compensation extremely stupid”
“We showed a great game, but unfortunately didn’t reward ourselves”, Flick complained on ZDF. Jonas Hofmann quarreled: “It’s bitter to concede this compensation, extremely stupid.” Thomas Müller was also annoyed: “We’ve got to digest it somehow now, the 1-1 in the 88th minute. But we showed what we’re capable of today.”