analysis
The German national soccer team says goodbye to vacation. Because the DFB team is strictly pursuing a clear plan against Italy in the Nations League.
Taking over the hotel room of a colleague who has to start training again in a few days – that could happen to some German internationals. Because they don’t start their vacation until mid-June, and with one “super feeling”. At least that’s what Hansi Flick predicted.
Since the last impression should stick, everything speaks for the thesis of the national coach, because the 5-2 win against Italy in the Nations League should be one “super feeling” triggered.
“She did everything we set out to do. She was brave on the offensive and attacked the opponent.”, Flick praised the selection of the German Football Association (DFB), which missed a lot in the three previous games in June. There had been a lack of efficiency, but also a clear plan on how to create opportunities.
Both full-backs up front
On Tuesday (June 14th, 2022) in Mönchengladbach, it was easy to see how Germany wanted to tackle the newly established European champions. In contrast to the 1-1 draw in Hungary three days earlier, both full-backs (in Budapest it was only David Raum on the left) positioned themselves well up front when in possession.
Thanks to the midfielders Leroy Sané and Jonas Hofmann, who moved into the middle and ensured a majority or at least an equal number in the centre, David Raum on the left and Lukas Klostermann on the right were often free and were then brought into play via lateral transfers.
The two central defenders Antonio Rüdiger and Niklas Süle in particular impressed with precise, wide passes, including through passes into the path of Timo Werner and Leroy Sané. The two attacking players, who had previously been criticized for their poor performances, also had major problems with precision and goal scoring for a long time at Borussia Park.
But at least they created space right from the start with their runs and dribbling, and also made a profitable contribution to high pressing and counter-pressing. Werner was also instrumental in Joshua Kimmich’s early 1-0 lead.
“It’s important that the players feel trust. We conveyed that to the players. We’re happy about Timo that he scored the two goals and, like Leroy, he invested a lot and put the opponent under pressure. You can be satisfied with that”Flick praised the two protagonists.
“If we still close so mercilessly”
The historically high victory, the first in a competitive game against Italy after regular time, also underpinned Flick’s thesis that development would progress with a view to the World Cup.
“If we do it like we did today, a lot of teams will have a hard time against us and a lot will lag behind.”said Ilkay Gündogan and was particularly pleased with the efficiency: “If we still finish so mercilessly, we’re on the right track.”
Conclusion of the Nations League in September
Before the tournament in Qatar, which starts on November 21, the German team still have the last two games in the game Nations League on. On September 23rd, the DFB selection will meet Hungary in Leipzig, who are leading the table after the surprisingly clear victory in England. The English are then three days later in London Germany’s last opponent before the World Cup on European soil.
Another game is planned in the direct preparation for the tournament, for which there is only a week left. It is being discussed that the DFB entourage will fly to the United Arab Emirates after the last Bundesliga matchday before the World Cup break on November 14th and move into a training camp there. The selection of the Emirates could then also be the test opponent.