For more than an hour it was a successful performance by the DFB-Elf at the first real benchmark in the Flick era. In the second round, however, the German team came under pressure against their rivals and, with luck, averted the first defeat.
Hansi Flick’s winning streak has ended, but the belief in a successful World Cup remains. After a long dominant appearance in the prestige duel with arch-rival Holland, the 1-1 (1-0) in Amsterdam was a fair result in the end. After Thomas Müller’s 43rd international goal (45+1), David Raum could have increased the lead to 2-0 immediately after the break if he had a big chance.
When the Dutch turned up the heat, the German team also needed luck. Shortly after Steven Bergwijn equalized (68′), English referee Craig Pawson happily took back a penalty kick after video evidence. Thilo Kehrer hit Holland attacker Memphis Depay on the foot in the penalty area while trying to clear. The draw was happy in the end.
Even if Flick was not able to celebrate a win for the first time in his ninth game as national coach, he can look forward to the draw for the World Cup groups this Friday in Qatar’s capital Doha. Four years after the preliminary round in Russia, the DFB team does not have to fear a difficult group.
“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 is refreshing. She is 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.
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 lurked – quite unusually – 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 – sometimes technically, sometimes physically – 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.
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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.
Portugal and Poland at the World Cup in Qatar
Portugal and Poland have qualified for the World Cup in Qatar.
The Portuguese around superstar Cristiano Ronaldo beat North Macedonia 2-0 (1-0) in Porto on Tuesday evening. In the playoff final, Bruno Fernandes (32nd and 65th minute) scored the decisive goals and secured the 2016 European champion’s eighth participation in a world championship. Bayern Munich’s star striker Robert Lewandowski celebrated with Poland at the same time a deserved 2-0 (0-0) against Sweden.
