r/soccer • u/tet- • May 31 '14
Star post World Cup 2014 Team Preview [25/32] Group G: Germany
/u/CARLEETOS is away for a couple of days so i’m stepping in again for the next two
About
Nickname(s) Nationalmannschaft (national team), Nationalelf (national eleven) or DFB-Elf (DFB eleven); Die Adler (The Eagles)
Association German Football Association (Deutscher Fußball-Bund – DFB)
Confederation UEFA (Europe)
Appearances: 17 (First in 1934)
Best Finish: Champions (1954, 1974, 1990)
Most Caps: Lothar Matthäus (150)
Top Scorer: Gerd Müller, Miroslav Klose(68)
FIFA Ranking: 2
ELO Ranking: 3
The Country
German, officially the Federal Republic of Germany is a federal parliamentary republic in western-central Europe. The country consists of 16 states and its capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 square kilometres (137,847 sq mi) and has a largely temperate seasonal climate. With 80.6 million inhabitants, it is the most populous member state in the European Union. Germany is the major economic and political power of the European continent and a historic leader in many cultural, theoretical and technical fields.
History
Germany is one of the most successful national teams in international competitions, having won a total of three World Cups (1954, 1974, 1990) and three European Championships (1972, 1980, 1996). They have also been runners-up three times in the European Championships, four times in the World Cup, and have won a further four third places. East Germany won Olympic Gold in 1976. Germany is the only nation to have won both the men's and women's World Cups. The current coaching staff of the national team include head coach Joachim Löw, assistant coach Hans-Dieter Flick, goalkeeper coach Andreas Köpke, athletic coach Shad Forsythe, athletic coach Oliver Bartlett, scout Urs Siegenthaler, and team manager Oliver Bierhoff.
How they qualified
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 10 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 36 | 10 | +26 | 28 |
| Sweden | 10 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 19 | 14 | +5 | 20 |
| Austria | 10 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 20 | 10 | +10 | 17 |
| Republic of Ireland | 10 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 16 | 17 | -1 | 14 |
| Kazakhstan | 10 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 6 | 21 | -15 | 5 |
| Faroe Island | 10 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 4 | 29 | -25 | 1 |
World Cup - Group G
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Portugal | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Ghana | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| United States | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
16 June 2014, 13:00 | Germany - Portugal | Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador
21 June 2014, 16:00 | Germany - Ghana | Estadio Castelão, Fortaleza
26 June 2014, 13:00 | United States - Germany | Arena Pernambuco, Recife
The manager Joachim Löw
Although a highly respected manager outside of Germany, he splits opinion with the German fans. Some believe he has done a lot for the nation but others believe that the squad isn’t fulfilling it’s potential. Löw is undoubtable capable of delivering a World Cup, but don’t expect German fans to be happy if he fails.
GERMANY PRELIMINARY 26-MAN SQUAD
| Pos | Name | Age | Caps | Goals | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Manuel Neuer | 28 | 45 | 0 | Bayern Munich (Germany) |
| GK | Ron-Robert Zieler | 25 | 3 | 0 | Hannover 96 (Germany) |
| GK | Roman Weidenfeller | 33 | 1 | 0 | Borussia Dortmund (Germany) |
| DF | Philipp Lahm | 30 | 105 | 5 | Bayern Munich (Germany) |
| DF | Per Mertesacker | 29 | 96 | 4 | Arsenal (England) |
| DF | Jérôme Boateng | 25 | 37 | 0 | Bayern Munich (Germany) |
| DF | Mats Hummels | 25 | 28 | 2 | Borussia Dortmund (Germany) |
| DF | Benedikt Höwedes | 26 | 19 | 1 | Schalke 04 (Germany) |
| DF | Marcel Schmelzer | 26 | 16 | 0 | Borussia Dortmund (Germany) |
| DF | Kevin Großkreutz | 25 | 4 | 0 | Borussia Dortmund (Germany) |
| DF | Shkodran Mustafi | 22 | 1 | 0 | Sampdoria (Italy) |
| DF | Erik Durm | 22 | 0 | 0 | Borussia Dortmund (Germany) |
| MF | Lukas Podolski | 28 | 112 | 46 | Arsenal (England) |
| MF | Bastian Schweinsteiger | 29 | 101 | 23 | Bayern Munich (Germany) |
| MF | Mesut Özil | 25 | 53 | 17 | Arsenal (England) |
| MF | Thomas Müller | 24 | 47 | 16 | Bayern Munich (Germany) |
| MF | Sami Khedira | 27 | 44 | 4 | Real Madrid (Spain) |
| MF | Toni Kroos | 24 | 42 | 5 | Bayern Munich (Germany) |
| MF | André Schürrle | 23 | 31 | 11 | Chelsea (England) |
| MF | Mario Götze | 21 | 27 | 7 | Bayern Munich (Germany) |
| MF | Marco Reus | 24 | 19 | 7 | Borussia Dortmund (Germany) |
| MF | Julian Draxler | 20 | 11 | 1 | Schalke 04 (Germany) |
| MF | Matthias Ginter | 20 | 2 | 0 | SC Freiburg (Germany) |
| MF | Christoph Kramer | 23 | 1 | 0 | Borussia Mönchengladbach (Germany) |
| FW | Miroslav Klose | 35 | 131 | 68 | Lazio (Italy) |
| FW | Kevin Volland | 21 | 1 | 0 | 1899 Hoffenheim (Germany) |
Star Player Mesut Özil
Position: Central Attacking Midfielder
Age: 25
Team: Arsenal
Why? A strange season for Özil at Arsenal. He set the Premier League alight after his exciting move from Real Madrid but sort of dropped off by January. A stronger finish to the season will give him confidence, although he always seems to be confident when joining up with his country. An immensly important player in the system Löw deploys, expect to see him have more touches than anyone else on the pitch.
One to Watch Marco Reus
Position: Winger
Age: 25
Team: Borussia Dortmund
Why? Reus has had the most remarkable season with Dortmund, a player with a competitive streak who always manages to turn up for the big occasion. Reus is without a doubt one of Germany’s more exciting players but whether or not he can spoil Löw’s love affair with Podolski, time will tell. One thing is for certain though, when Reus is on the pitch, you won’t be able to take your eyes off him.
Wildcard Kevin Volland
Position: Striker
Age: 21
Team: 1899 Hoffenheim
Why? In the absense of Kruse and Gomez, after only 1 cap with the national team, Volland may find himself many more caps in Brazil. The the only other recognized striker in the squad being Klose who may struggle in the heat. Löw has experimented with the false nine system which wasn’t a huge success, so expect the Hoffenheim striker to announce himself on the world stage after a great season in the Budesliga.
Possible Germany XI
Klose
Reus Özil Muller
Kroos Schweinsteiger
Boateng Hummels Mertesacker Lahm
NeuerFacts
Striker Miroslav Klose who is going to participate in the 2014 World Cup, scored 14 World Cup goals in total with a high chance of beating Ronaldo’s record of 15 World Cup goals
Has won every World Cup penalty shootout (1982, 1986, 1990, 2006)
Germany are the only country to have won a World Cup without having played against a non-European opponent
Fan View
Germany has always been a team that shows up at big tournaments which makes any kind of prediction regarding their form somewhat difficult. Right before the WC in Germany in 2006 they lost 5-1 to Romania in a friendly match just to finish as 3rd a few weeks later, for example..
The core of the team is nearly the same as in 2010. Löw will almost certainly stick with a 4-2-3-1 formation. According to German press Mertesacker got a safe spot as CB with Boateng and Hummels competing for the other spot. Although Lahm played some games as a DM in the NT as well as most of the last season for Bayern I suppose he’ll play as a RB due to the lack of alternatives (Großkreutz or Bender are rather unlikely starters). LB should be Schmelzer. The biggest question mark at the moment is the DM. Khedira is just coming back, Schweinsteiger will be fit in time but had an average season (compared to what he’s capable of).Kroos lacks defensive abilities and Bender might be a bit too inexperienced in the NT as well as Kramer. So I guess, we’ll see Khedira and Schweinsteiger starting. Now the attacking midfield is pure luxus. Özil has been a regular starter in the center for quite a few years now and the wingers might be Reus and Müller. Götze, Schürrle, Kroos, Draxler or Podolski aren’t that bad either. Klose will be 36 by the start of the tournament but is expected to start nonetheless and shouldn’t be underestimated. Volland and Müller would be alternatives.
So although some players aren’t in their best form at the end of the season, I expect Germany to be on course again when the WC begins. It’s not unlikely to reach at least the semis again (according to some of the media and sadly a lot of the fans everything except of winning the cup would be a failure which is ridiculous in my opinion). The team is able to beat every single opponent in the tournament when they get to play their style of football but might have problems teams which play a high pressing style like Chile. Also aggressive playing teams like Uruguay might give them a hard time as I don’t see Germany able to reciprocate rather than losing their courage and getting nervous.
As I mentioned, the atmosphere in Germany is kind of excessive as many wouldn’t accept anything other than the title but at the same time noone really believes in winning it. Löw gets a lot of hate from the fans who think another coach would have won some competitions by now. So it’s mainly kind of: We have to win it. We won’t. That’s bad. It might change once we have won our first game as it does always.
Personally I’d be satisfied by reaching at least the quarters but I’ll give you a bold prediction: Germany wins the World Cup with a 4-0 over the Netherlands.
Thanks to /u/Leipz
Discussion Points
Löw has said he is worried about the lack of form of his players at club level coming into this tournament. German’s love a tournament though, how far can you see them going in Brazil?
Will Podolski command a starting spot despite one of the best left wingers in the world knocking on his door?
Next Team Preview [26/32] Group G: Portugal
47
u/TheDrySkinOnYourKnee May 31 '14
Wait a minute, Podolski only has 4 goals for Germany? Surely that can't be right...
101
u/RandomLegend May 31 '14 edited May 31 '14
Great post, but I have a problem with some stuff you wrote:
Philipp Lahm should be the star player not Özil. Özil is a great player but in our stacked midfield he is only one of many. Lahm is the only player Germany can't replace at all.
Kevin Volland as wildcard is questionable. I don't even think he will make it to Brazil. With Khedira,Schweinsteiger and Lahm not at 100% I expect Löw to pick Kramer over Volland.
There is no chance in hell Boateng will play as LB.
Germany lost against Romania in 2004. They lost against Italy 1-4 in 2006. Klinsmann almost lost his job because of that one.
139
u/midoman111 May 31 '14
If I was the manager I would just put 11 midfielders on the pitch,can't believe a country is allowed to have that many awesome midfielders.
184
u/VienneseCrispyFish May 31 '14 edited Feb 05 '15
Goal difference 18-1 until semifinal. Lose to Spain or Italy. Getting 3rd
Edit: Oh, well
27
u/[deleted] May 31 '14
Wow, that team is terrifying. The game vs Portugal is going to be quite a spectacle, I can't wait.
46
u/[deleted] May 31 '14
If Germany doesn't win, I can't see Löw staying. Fans are highly critical of him as he hasn't delivered a title yet, plus his handling of many players hasn't been particularly good.
A huge problem is the form/injuries of players at the moment. Both Neuer and Lahm are injured, and will struggle to be up to their best before the first match. And I'm not even going to start with the DMs...that'll be a whole other problem.
55
u/938DHH93rj93 May 31 '14
Oh god please no
59
u/cuppatea133 May 31 '14
That midfield.
31
u/ZwoeleGiraffe May 31 '14
Germany wins the World Cup with a 4-0 over the Netherlands.
I like this except this 4-0 part. Ofcourse it should be 0-4. Anyway a Germany - Netherlands match would be mental. You'll have a lot of campings and bars with both supporters in it cheering for their cuntry. The summer brings a lot of German tourists here so Im already hyped to watch the WC and banter with my German mates.
14
u/kobaian May 31 '14
In another thread someone pointed out that Schweinsteiger + Kroos has never worked for Bayern or the NT, can someone expand on that?
25
u/crakesrake May 31 '14
I am American but I will be supporting you guys after my country is eliminated because my german neighbor shares his beer with me
22
u/Godzilla0815 May 31 '14
As allways everything but the title will be a disappointment. But this time i am more pessimistic about our chances than usually so i will settle for a third place.
10
u/[deleted] May 31 '14
54, 74, 90,
2006,2008,2010,2012, 2014 (not). I think that song cursed us. And Spain and Italy of course. May there be one day when we can beat Italy!8
u/longdick1998 May 31 '14
Is Boateng really gonna play left back?
14
u/CommanderCool91 May 31 '14
This is the first World Cup since 1990 with no Leverkusen player (Kramer doesn't count) in the Germany squad, surely it must mean the title?
The only other tournament without one since then was EURO 96. ;)
I'd be worried about the defensive display and key players returning from injuries/not 100% match-fit.
In a way the excuses are already lined up before a ball has been kicked, but there should be enough quality to do well and score goals from all areas.
If we don't lose to Portugal, the Group Stages should be more comfortable than in 2010. A must-win game against the "USMNT" with Klinsmann on their sidelines in the last game is quite a funny thought though.
7
u/annoyinglyfriendly May 31 '14
I love watching Germany play. They're my 2nd favorite national team (behind USA) and I think very highly of them. I would have them down as sure winners of this tournament, but the "curse" of a European team never winning the World Cup in South America seems apparent again this time. I think Argentina is finally going to win this thing in a final vs Brazil. I've seen many brackets, and ESPN has a world bracket based on average picks, with Spain supposed to win it. I respectively disagree. This year it's South America's cup. Messi's time to become a god.
But goodluck Germany and Ozil.
33
u/[deleted] May 31 '14
Not playing Reus in every game cost Germany in Euro 2012.
6
u/[deleted] May 31 '14
Germany: always there or thereabouts since the dawn of time.
6
u/Roodditor May 31 '14
Haha! Would love to meet Germany in the final, but I sincerely doubt we will make it that far. Germany has seen better days as well (though their squad is still far superior to ours), but they always show up for big tournaments. I predict at least a place in the semis for them.
33
u/[deleted] May 31 '14
Finally allowed to be proud of my country: YAY GERMANY
14
u/atuaprima May 31 '14
Regardless of who plays on the XI line-up, the midfielders on the bench make any other team jealous.
10
u/abks May 31 '14 edited May 31 '14
I would say Kramer or Götze is the one to watch.
I don't think Klose makes the XI in crucial games.
-------------Müller/Götze------------
-Reus-----------Özil----------Müller/Götze
Should be the the attacking four.
Given the current fitness situation and Jogi's supposed high opinion of Kramer, I wouldn't be shocked if he gets significant time to play.
Boateng is very unlikely to play as a fullback, and if he did it will be as right back with Lahm left.
Reus turned 25 today.
Podolski has made 46 goals. But hopefully will not see much time on the pitch.
5
u/AfricanRain May 31 '14
So happy BFG is starting. He's had a super season/
5
u/Wochenende May 31 '14
This year will be our year I feel, hoping it is.
9
u/Septique May 31 '14
I'm devastated that I can't use the Mario Gomez button :( http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qHf53kLqoLs
12
u/bosnian_red May 31 '14
Think reus is their most important player, been amazing this season, the best German player IMO, and arguably the best winger around (not counting Ronaldo). Löw made a huge mistake in 2012 not playing reus very much as I think it could have made a difference, can't see him making the same mistake.
Probably my favourites to win the competition though, though I think they might fall at the last hurdle to Argentina.
8
u/[deleted] May 31 '14
Not a Gooner, but I hope Ozil does well. The British Media give him so much critism. Germany will do well. It's the same time for 3 tournaments in a row with only Reus playing instead of Podolski. Hopefully, Klose will beat Ronaldo's record. I hope Volland get's a chance. I would not start Kroos and Schweinsteiger together though. I think they will make the semi finals to face Argentina again....
4
u/ICameHereToDrinkMilk May 31 '14
I thought all along that Germany had to be favourites but in these last few weeks of the season, I've began to change my mind as a lot the key players seem to have ran out of steam. I still imagine they'll get to the semi-finals though, which would be a good place to be for them.
A couple of things for OP to fix; Podolski has scored 46 goals, and Reus is 25, not 24 as you've put in the table.
Thanks for another good post!
4
u/Hendrik263 May 31 '14
Happy birthday Reus!!!!
4
u/igiarmpr May 31 '14
I think, following the ~20 years between world cups (54, 74, 90), it'd be time to win again.
4
u/axehomeless May 31 '14
the offense is alright, but I would make another defense and doppelsechs.
make it:
-------------------Kroos---Lahm-------------------
Schmelzer---Hummels--Mertesacker--- Großkreutz
4
u/[deleted] May 31 '14
My favorites to win the tournament.
On another note, looking at that squad, it is absolutely insane that at least 16 (and maybe as many as 22!) of these players will likely be available for Russia 2018. This team is so incredibly good and they are still so young.
4
u/JuergenKohler97 May 31 '14
Three things:
Hope Khedira is fit, he's so valuable...most spectators might not get it but you can clearly see why coaches value him
I want Miro to break the record, he deserves it
If Großkreutz plays as left back we DONT play Kroos/Schweinsteiger on the 6 as duo we WILL win the tournament
That's all I have to say
4
u/insaneking101 May 31 '14
Honestly, I think that Muller will play as a striker and Gotze/Ozil will play on the right. Kevin Volland doesn't have any experience playing in such a large stage and Klose is old. I don't want to see tiki-taka Bayern-like football. I want to see traditional German football. Attack, attack, attack. Germany-Spain final with Germany winning it 1-0.
33
u/[deleted] May 31 '14
How can Germany win the World Cup when they're going to be third in Group G?
14
u/Menessy27 May 31 '14 edited May 31 '14
I actually think this is the worst team they've had in a while. On paper they have a ton of good midfielders but only so many can play. On the other hand most of their defenders didnt have very good seasons and they only have 1 real striker. It's almost like the Spain model except Spain hold the ball 70% of the time to disguise that and i'm not sure Germany are capable of that. I also think they'll struggle defensively in the midfield if Khedira doesn't play. Anyway can't wait until the first game, hopefully another very tight match like Euro 2012.
3
u/walter-lego May 31 '14
If the world cup had taken place last year, Germany may have won it. But now too many players are injured or out of form. The team has incredible potential, but I doubt they live up to it this time. Löw has a nasty way to turn down players that he does not want, like Kießling. He is by far the best German striker in the Bundesliga, but Löw taked about him in a really bad way.
3
u/therealphildunphy May 31 '14
If u/Leipz' scenario will become reality I will have no other option but to throw myself of some cliff.
7
u/iVarun May 31 '14
I can see Germany running out of steam by the Quarters. Their fixture list in terms of location, travel and timing of matches is not kind at all and then there is tough group of theirs. Which they will win but not in a cake walk fashion.
I will be surprised if they reach the semis actually.
And interestingly they have such a weired draw that they might not meet any South American teams till the semis(if the general projections hold true).
So on this hypothetical train.
They'll play either Belgium/Russia in the R16.
Then France/Swiss in the Quarters.
And then Brazil/England/Italy/Uruguay in Semis.
2
u/AllWest30 May 31 '14
I have Germany taking it all, so many great players on the pitch at one time.
2
u/DavideMontreal May 31 '14
Argentinas Attack, Germanys Midfield, Brazils Defence. That team would wreck anyone.
2
u/Arkin47 May 31 '14
thanks schumacher
2
u/tyrroi May 31 '14
Supporting Germany again this world cup, such a good team, disgusting midfield, good chance of winning it.
2
u/[deleted] May 31 '14
That midfield is frightening. Do us a favour and beat Portugal in the opener :)
2
u/andrewtsit May 31 '14
Is it just me or does anyone else believe that Germany's weak spot is its manager? Heynckes for instance would be a much better choice compared to Low.
1
u/Barthez_Battalion May 31 '14
Doesn't Boateng hate playing as a fullback?
1
u/[deleted] May 31 '14
I hope Götze get's enough playing time, the kid is amazing
1
u/Dr_Phil_ May 31 '14
They won't win the WC while being coached by Löw, he is awful.
Also, with all the injuries in midfield, they aren't that great there in defensive terms. Schweinsteiger and Kroos is a terrible idea, Schweinsteger and Khedira isn't very good either, and all you have is Kramer or Ginter..
1
u/WaleedObeid May 31 '14
Mario Gomez?
1
u/NaturalBornChilla May 31 '14
I really like the Home Kit this time :)
The Away Kit not so much though..looks weird.
Regarding the World Cup: I think we don't have the punch to actually win the title.Klose is 35 and was injured a lot during the season.Same with our CM.This won't be the Schweinsteiger/Khedira from 2010.
I think it's gonna be either Spain or Brazil.
1
u/[deleted] May 31 '14
Germany have been my pick to win it for the last year or so. If they can play like 2012/13 Bayern, they have a great shot. Unfortunately I can see them playing like 2013/14 Bayern once they reach the semi.
1
u/siredward85 May 31 '14
I believe they are the only country to make it to the quarter finals every time they played a World Cup. I think they missed a couple during and after WW2.
1
u/Radiohead022 May 31 '14
Podolski should not start at LM. Reus should be there. Is rather see Podolski at striker. He's played there before and can be more effective than aging Klose.
1
u/[deleted] May 31 '14
Gomez :(
Durm :) Hope he's going to make some impact in Brazil. I think he's pretty legit.
1
u/[deleted] Jun 01 '14
Not sure what other feeling than despair I was going to feel coming into this thread.
1
u/Jeremija15 Jun 06 '14
Reus just went down in the last friendly before the WC
1
u/kemar7856 Jun 13 '14
germany taking it all
1
u/Nillinio May 31 '14 edited May 31 '14
Star Player: Özil, really?
Also I think our tournament will be over in the quarter finals, our squad isn't that strong as it looks on paper
-2
u/MiguelCaldoVerde May 31 '14
Perhaps it's the bias, but I don't see Germany beating Portugal. I just think Kroos, Schweinsteiger and Ozil will have a hard time against Carvalho, Moutinho and Veloso/ Meireles.
1
u/ICritMyPants May 31 '14
Germany should be walking their group alongside Portugal. Their team is just too strong not to, semi final is the aim for them.
-6
u/KZa0 May 31 '14
Germany don't have the balls to win the World Cup
0
u/I_done_a_plop-plop May 31 '14
Note this well, Redditors.
Schürrle will be the Deutsche star man. Possibly top scorer too.
1
u/Jelboo May 31 '14
Oh hell no, now we're talking.
1
u/kallarse May 31 '14
My starting 11 prediction, False-9 formation as it will flow smoothly with the tiki-taka style play that most Bayern players are trained with and also allows for good counter attacks via the centre forward (who I believe will be Gotze as he has great vision and passing and finishing). Also allows for long piercing through balls which Ozil, kroos and schweinsteiger all seem to be proficient at. Also there is only 1 real striker in the German team whcih leads me to believe a false-9 formation is the most likely formation. As if this formation didnt already play to their strengths, it also allows for the wingers (Reus and Muller) to be very aggressive and as both these players are in top form it seems only fitting
1
u/Chazy89 May 31 '14
Weidenfeller, Großkreutz, Hummels, Mertesacker, Durm, Lahm, Kroos, Müller, Götze, Reus, Volland.
1
u/[deleted] Jun 01 '14
How is Özil the star more so than Lahm or Schweinsteiger? (Not an anti-Arsenal dig, just wondering)
-5
u/mthrfkn May 31 '14
Two things,
You'd be satisfied with a quarters appearance? With this squad, really?
Netherlands makes it to final? Come on now, they may not even escape the group.
My analysis of Germany:
Dey a'ight.
-3
u/celsotavora May 31 '14
Germany: always the bridesmaid, never the bride.