Germany are looking to reclaim their FIFA World Cup in Qatar, but there are quite a few questions around the side. They’re playing without some key players, lack consistent options in the forward line and haven’t really looked like the dominating force that many recognize them to be over the last few years. Hansi Flick has a major job on his hands, as he’ll hope to prove the doubters by producing ruthless performances and marauding their way to the title.
Germany World Cup Preview
Germany Key Player
In this Germany team, Thomas Muller is almost a Yoda-like figure. The Bayern Munich forward has a rich history of playing in the World Cup, having scored 10 goals across three editions in which he has played. Muller oozes with experience and will be asked to use that to help those beside him. He’s grown into a complete forward, who can trouble teams with his excellent creative passes into the final third and create chances. Muller is also a deft finisher, getting into unpredictable areas to score goals. He’s scored three goals and provided six assists for Munich so far this season and is a veteran for Die Mannschaft. Give him too much space and opponents can see Muller play a teammate through for a goal or finish up some chances himself.
Germany Tactics
Hansi Flick has fielded his Germany side in a conventional 4-2-3-1 formation over the course of this year, indicating that will be the formation he’ll go with for the Qatar World Cup. Die Mannschaft prioritize playing exciting, attacking football which involves midfielder Ilkay Gundogan often moving forward to linger around the opposition box to create chances. Muller has developed into a player who helps kickstart attacks and often makes defence-splitting passes from midfield, but he also loves making late runs into the box to get at the end of scoring chances. Wingers like Leroy Sane and Jamal Musiala are expected to cut inside and often into the box to trouble opposition sides.
At the back, Joshua Kimmich often drops deep to almost become a third centre-back – which allows modern full-backs like David Raum and Thilo Kehrer to bomb forward on the wings and swing in inviting crosses. A potential worry for Germany is their lack of a world-class number nine. Kai Havertz’s finishing skills at Chelsea are still frustrating and Muller can only operate as a false no.9. Unless they can convert their chances clinically, Die Mannschaft’s attacking style will all go to waste.
Germany Unexpected Star
While his tremendous run of form for Bayern Munich this season makes it surprising to believe Jamal Musiala as the ‘unexpected star’, the reality is that the World Cup will be the first major international competition he’ll play in. He’s never played at this stage yet and lacks the experience of soaring at the World Cup. In 17 appearances for Germany, Musiala has only scored once. But he’s filled with a lot of talent and can absolutely terrorize defenders at the World stage. Expect him to make some amazing dribbles to dance past defenders and be a menace in the final third. With 12 goals and 8 assists in just 21 appearances this season, Musiala heads into the World Cup in hot form. It’s time he proves himself as the world’s best youngster by racking up many goal contributions for his nation.
Germany World Cup Prediction
Germany have been placed in the same group as Spain and it’s difficult to see them ending up as the group winners. Spain heads into the World Cup in much better form and look more complete under Luis Enrique. They should, however, progress as the runners-up and will probably face Belgium in the Round of 16. It won’t be easy facing the star-studded side, but going by their superior experience in World Cup competitions, Germany could have a major chance to make it in the quarter-finals. But it’s in the final eight that they’ll mostly face either Brazil or Portugal. Because of Germany’s goal-scoring issues, lack of a natural striker and shaky defending against top sides – that could be the end of the road for them.
Last Word on Football recognises and opposes the human rights and governance issues surrounding Qatar and the organisation of the World Cup. See more information about the concerns surrounding the competition here.
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Last Word on Football recognise the human rights abuses and instances of corruption taking place throughout Qatar and in the background of the World Cup. Learn more about some of the issues surrounding the World Cup here.
