Germany
might have failed to book an early spot in the last 16 in a combative draw with
Ghana, but they have learned some valuable lessons. One's liable to worry coach
Joachim Löw, but two others could raise his spirits.
Deutsche Welle, 22 June 2014
Germany
struggled to a 2-2 draw against Ghana, mainly because of their physicality and
phenomenal work rate. Unlike against Portugal, who afforded Germany much more
time and space, Joachim Löw's side suffered from relentless pressing by the
African team, especially early on.
A new kind
of test
Initially,
Germany looked capable of coping, but as the intensity of the game developed,
Löw's men grew uncharacteristically sloppy when rushed in possession. As a
worrying knock-on effect of this, players were regularly caught out of position
after giving the ball away. Although Ghana capitalized on precisely this to
take the lead, following a rare Philipp Lahm turnover, they left a number of
similar opportunities begging.
Most
concerning was Germany's inability to control the game when Lahm's performance
dropped. The captain's mistake that led to Ghana's second goal stands out, but
his general manner was less assured than against Portugal in the middle of the
park.
Perhaps it
serves as a reminder that the defender is still developing as a midfield
option, but Lahm will have to hurry that progression up as the technical
quality of Germany's opposition improves in Brazil.
Löw
delivers on squad importance
 |
| Löw did promise that all of his players would play a part, and more did against Ghana |
On a number
occasions, Löw has said that he has a squad of 23 useful players, all hungry to
contribute. On Saturday evening against Ghana, that proved to be the case as
Bastian Schweinsteiger and Miroslav Klose swung the momentum back in Germany's
favor within minutes of appearing off the bench. Naturally, in such heat and
after such an intense game substitutes were always going to make a difference,
but Löw's choices were astute.
Schweinsteiger
added much needed hustle to a tiring midfield, while Miroslav Klose provided
the necessary touch to get Germany level again. Considering all the fuss about
Thomas Müller, Miroslav Klose's natural ability to yet again let his feet do
the talking should be both recognized and respected.
His
positioning for the goal highlights exactly what Germany have been lacking on a
number of pivotal occasions, namely the instincts of a natural striker. Müller
is excellent but his strength lies in seeking and manipulating space. Klose
just has a goalscoring knack, bringing him on in the second period didn't just
make Löw look good, it showed why the 36-year-old Klose is still part of this
team.
Consistency
important, adaptation the key
Selecting the same eleven was surprising simply because of the fitness concerns
surrounding Mats Hummels. That aside, Löw is one for consistency in all cases
and so a raft of changes was hardly expected. Hummels' inclusion proved pivotal
considering the unexpected injury to Jerome Boateng at half time, not to
mention Hummels' sterling individual performance in the second half.
The way in
which Löw's side evolved around their 4-3-3 formation, particularly when under
pressure in the second half, shows their growing intelligence. As much as their
technical superiority aided their comeback, their nous created the possiblity
of it happening.
 |
| Müller was often targeted, but isolated, making both his task and Germany's harder |
Germany's
individuals have long been hailed, but they are looking to put the final
touches on their collective identity in the hope a World Cup trophy will be
their reward. Against Portugal, they showed their ruthlessness but against
Ghana, their determination stood out.
This side
hasn't been associated with resoluteness, but that's exactly what they showed
in a game they easily could have lost. And if Löw's men continue to reveal more
positive traits as the tournament progresses, success beckons.
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