Strong performance by the German national team against the Netherlands, but in the end it wasn’t enough for a win: 1-1 in the classic international match. Nevertheless: The national coach remains undefeated.
Ninth game as national coach, but the ninth win is missing – Hansi Flick’s sensational winning streak has ended, but he remains undefeated. 237 days before the World Cup kicked off in Qatar, there was a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands in the classic international match. Thomas Müller scored for Germany (45th), Steven Bergwijn (68th) scored for the eleven of ex-Bayern coach Louis van Gaal.
“It was a top game with high intensity for the spectators,” said Flick and praised his team: “It’s nice how they play football. The way they play is refreshing. She’s brave. We can be satisfied with the 1-1 . The draw is fair.”
At the first big World Cup test in front of around 50,000 spectators, the German team put up with top-class failures for a long time. Four potential regulars were missing from the Bayern block in Kimmich, Goretzka, Süle and Gnabry. Flick created new options such as the U21 European champions Nico Schlotterbeck and David Raum in defense or Jamal Musiala. The Bayern talent played cheekily in the Kimmich position in defensive midfield and also prepared Müller’s goal. The 32-year-old drew level with honorary captain Uwe Seeler in the all-time DFB list of goalscorers.
Quite error-prone
“We want to go back to the top of the world,” Flick had formulated his sense of entitlement in front of the “yardstick” against the eternal rival and called for a courageous appearance. The coach was also offered this by his team. The former Bayern coach was also shown that the German team is prone to making mistakes under pressure.
There was no question of a friendly game. In an intense game, the DFB selection, playing in black, initially acted with great concentration. The Dutch, who are often praised for their offensive qualities, were pinned down again and again in their own penalty area with high pressure. Instead, Oranje waited for a counterattack. Flick had already given the signal with his line-up. The offensive Musiala replaced Kimmich in the sixth position and knew how to convince.
The 19-year-old not only initiated the opening goal, but also solved his task very skilfully. The national coach had prescribed more Bayern power for the German game compared to the 2-0 win against Israel. Manuel Neuer was in goal again, while Müller and Leroy Sané returned to the starting XI. After a fine interaction, Müller and Sané also created the first goal chance for the DFB team in the twelfth minute.
Despite all efforts, the Oranje defense stars around Virgil van Dijk did not offer much space. Timo Werner’s crossbar would not have counted anyway due to an alleged offside position (21′). Only the last action in the first round brought the DFB leadership. Werner staged Musiala. His sharp cross cleared Tyrell Malacia in the middle, where Müller was once again spot on. With his 43rd international goal, Müller drew level with Seeler and is now eighth in the all-time DFB top scorer list. The German record goalscorer is Miroslav Klose with 71 goals.
And orange? The hosts often seemed at a loss as to what was to be seen on Louis van Gaal’s face. Dortmund’s Donyell Malen was also unlucky. With a good chance to counterattack, the attacker played a steep pass to Malacia (19′), and he fired another shot wide of the goal (35′). But the German defense also did well for a long time. Antonio Rüdiger ensured stability in his 50th international match and newcomer Schlotterbeck also knew how to use his second chance in four days. The Freiburger is one of the winners of the first international match block in the World Cup year.
Lucky penalty decision
Hoffenheim’s David Raum also made an impact, and the full-back was even able to score the first international goal. After a dream pass from Sané, Raum missed a huge chance (47′) in front of the Freiburg Oranje keeper Mark Flekken. But with the lead in the back, the German game was even more pleasing, even more concise. The DFB-Elf did not want to manage the result, but sought the decision.
The lack of consistency in the conclusion should take revenge. After a long ball, Denzel Dumfries returned his header to substitute Bergwijn, who hammered the ball into the goal. After that, the four-time world champion was even lucky that the English referee Pawson took back a penalty kick for the Dutch (73rd). Because Thilo Kehrer had hit Memphis Depay in the leg when he tried to clarify. In another great Dutch chance, Schlotterbeck saves on the line (82nd). It was a tricky phase for the DFB selection, which should have given the national coach some insights.