Germany’s early elimination in World Cup 2022 took most people by surprise since they were expected to make a deep run.
Here at SBOTOP, we had them as the favourites alongside Spain to come out of Group E, taking into account the pre-tournament World Cup 2022 odds.
However, Germany bowed out of the competition on goal difference despite beating Costa Rica 4-2 in their final group stage match. If Spain didn’t lose to Japan in the other game, Hansi Flick’s side would’ve gone through.
This is the second World Cup in a row that Germany have failed to get out of their group after doing so in Russia back in 2018. Given their lack of international success recently, Germany now have to do some soul-searching as they prepare to host Euro 2024.
Germany’s lack of depth did them in
Germany’s early exit at Qatar is a clear indication that they’re no longer a footballing giant. They still have the capability as a collective to compete at the highest level, but they don’t have enough individual brilliance compared to their stronger counterparts.
The 2014 World Cup champions were known for their solidity at the back, but it wasn’t the case in Qatar. Their opening loss to Japan highlighted this fact when Hansi Flick criticised Niklas Sule and Nico Schlotterback for conceding the marginal goal by Takuma Asano that sealed their comeback.
They eventually gave up three more goals against Spain and Costa despite not losing. Spain and Costa Rica, in fact, had the lead in those games, but Germany managed to come back in those matches.
Antonio Rudiger is probably their only world-class defender, while youngsters David Raum, Nico Schlotterbeck, Armel Bella-Kotchap still have ways to go to be in a similar class. Also, they must reinforce their goalkeeper rotation.
First-choice goalkeeper Manuel Neuer recently broke his leg while skiing so he’ll be out for this season and he’s not getting any younger at 36 years of age. Barca’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen is poised to take over, but he’s also no longer in his 20’s too.
Germany’s lack of a prolific No. 9 was also exposed in the World Cup. Timo Werner should’ve been the guy, but he was injured right before the start of the tournament.
Kai Havertz was being deployed as their central striker as a result, but it’s not his best position – although time is on his side to turn into a bona fide one someday. Karim Adeyemi and Youssoufa Moukoko are two intriguing prospects as well.
Midfield is their strongest suit with Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich can hold it down in the next few years, but surely they could use a couple more options.
Some bright spots for Germany
So, who were the bright spots for Germany? The two names that were on the top of mind are Niclas Fullkrug and Jamal Musiala.
Fullkrug was the oldest debutant for Germany and he repaid Hansi Flick’s trust instantly when he scored the equaliser in their 1-1 draw against Spain, and he scored the team’s final goal in their match versus Costa Rica.
Musiala, meanwhile, is already Bayern Munich’s youngest goalscorer, Germany’s second-youngest goalscorer, and the youngest to play for the national team in a major tournament when he was called up during Euro 2020.
Hansi Flick has labeled Jamal Musiala as the future of German football. The Bayern Munich youngster is having a great 2022-23 campaign, notching nine goals and seven assists across all competitions this term.
He is still 19 years old and he has a long career ahead of him, so Germany got themselves a gem.
Hansi Flick and co. need a reboot
The World Cup 2022 news saw several coaches leave their jobs after they were eliminated, but Hansi Flick is not one of them as the DFB expects him to remain at the helm – at least until Euro 2024.
Flick, who served as assistant manager to Joachim Low from 2016 to 2014, was appointed as national team boss back in August 2021.
During his 19 games in charge, Germany won 11 matches as they romped through the qualifiers – winning nine out of their 10 games and scoring 36 goals in the process. However, they weren’t the same squad in Qatar.
Flick once mentioned that player development in Spain and England is more advanced than them, putting pressure on the DFB. But for the meantime, his job is to make the most of what he’s got, and he can expect more scrutiny and criticism than ever before.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
