Entering the tournament as world champions, to become kings of Europe isn’t an expectation for Joachim Low and his squad, it’s an obligation.
Spain set the bar four years ago by following their triumph in South Africa with victory in Ukraine and Poland and Die Mannschaft would dearly love to follow suit. There’s no denying they are among the favourites but their status as being in the elite group, rather than leading it, gives an insight into what’s happened in the two years since their triumph in Rio de Janeiro.
The retirements of Philipp Lahm, Miroslav Klose and Per Mertesacker perhaps hit Germany harder than was first envisaged. Not because the talent isn’t there, but because of the character, personality and leadership that experienced trio brought to the dressing room. Germany’s qualification for France was far from convincing – losing in Poland in their second game, and an even more inexplicable 1-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland in Dublin – has raised questions about their overall strength.
That doubt is only enhanced when you factor in friendly results over the past 24 months with losses to France, England – in Berlin in March, after leading 2-0 – and Slovakia, plus a 2-2 draw with Australia. Of particular concern is defence where they’ve often looked frantic and chaotic (not dissimilar to Bayern Munich in the Champions League at times) rather than assured, with Lahm’s absence key. They did, however, eventually top Group D and, as is always the case with Germany, there is the sense this is a group of players who get the job done and is ready for tournament football.
Despite the high-profile retirements a significant proportion of the World Cup squad remain and although there are concerns, Germany remain a side to be feared.
STRENGTHS
The depth of midfield quality available to Low probably exceeds Spain. There is so much quality front to back in terms of defensive ability, pace, goalscoring and overall creativity. The return of Jerome Boateng is a huge boost for the squad as the Bayern centre-back is Germany’s best and most consistent defender and also makes Mats Hummels alongside him more assured.
WEAKNESSES
Bastian Schweinsteiger is a favourite of Low, given his past performances and the leadership he brings. But this is not the Schweini of 2014 and he commands a first team place whenever fit, which could be to the detriment of others. At full-back they look weak with Jonas Hector capable rather than a match-winner, while even Emre Can has been deployed there.
STAR MAN – THOMAS MULLER
‘The Raumdeuter’, or space interpreter, is Germany’s best and most consistent source of goals and something of a mascot for fans of the national team. The Bayern forward has a knack of knowing where the ball will be, one or two plays before it gets there and although he’s rarely a scorer of great goals his finishing is consistently clinical. His record in World Cups is sensational but is yet to find the target in European Championships. That will surely soon end.
VERDICT
It’s almost inconceivable not to see Germany reach the semi-finals where they will likely face France. If they’ve sorted any lingering defensive issues, a place in the final is theirs, if not, it could be curtains.
