Germany at the 2022 World Cup with an increase in all areas – including the coach


analysis

Status: 11/27/2022 11:39 p.m

Germany is catching up from a deficit against a strong Spain and now has a very good chance of reaching the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup. A lot went better than against Japan, including with national coach Hansi Flick.

The pressure on the German national team was relieved a bit by Costa Rica’s victory. But it was still enormous, especially for national coach Hansi Flick. In the 2-1 defeat by Japan, he missed the moment to change tack and force the team to play more defensively to maintain the lead. Even with some changes he was wrong.

Late but well deserved: Joker Niclas Füllkrug averted the defeat against Spain and kept Germany’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the World Cup alive.

Flick’s joker stab

After the game against Spain, the criticism will be much more pleasant for him. Both the tactics and the changes fitted. Niclas Füllkrug equalized to make it 1-1, the attack was initiated by Lukas Klostermann and Leroy Sané, who were also both substituted on.

But even beyond this moment, the personnel changes had an effect. Even more important than the changes during the game were changes in the starting formation. “Leon Goretzka belongs in the starting eleven simply because of his dynamism, and Niklas Süle is simply a central defender“said the French world champion Bixente Lizarazu of the sports show. The former FC Bayern professional works as a television expert at the World Cup in Qatar.

Lizarazu voiced mild criticism that Thomas Müller initially started in the center of attack instead of a “right centre-forward“.

German defensive initially safe

The German game lacked the power that Füllkrug later brought, especially in the first half. However, the plan was primarily aimed at blocking the way for the Spaniards, who were extremely sure of the ball, especially in the dangerous zones. Spain didn’t fire a shot at Manuel Neuer’s goal from the penalty area in the first half.

Thilo Kehrer worked solidly at right-back but was later substituted in time to avoid the danger of a yellow-red card.

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Goretzka’s acceptance pays off

David Raum played much more defensively on the left than in the game against Japan. The addition of another central midfielder in Goretzka paid off as it made it easier for Joshua Kimmich to hold onto his position in midfield. The danger of being caught off guard by a counterattack by the Spaniards was significantly reduced.

Flick praises mentality and fighting spirit

It was an even game“said Flick after the game in the Al Bayt stadium, and that was true given the increase in attack after the break. Unlike in many previous games against strong opponents, the DFB selection kept their concentration high with very few exceptions. The national coach praised : “We fought outstandingly for 90 minutes and showed mentality.”

That was the goal, to create the basis for a performance and a result that offers a good chance of reaching the round of 16.

Luis Enrique: “Germany are still among the favourites”

Perhaps, according to Flick, the game against Spain is the “been the initial spark that we need“. Spain coach Luis Enrique saw it that way anyway: “Germany is still a football power. They are still among the favourites.”

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