journey to the in the USA, Mexico and Canada got off to the worst possible start as Julian Nagelsmann’s team suffered a deserved 2-0 defeat to Slovakia in Bratislava.
Nearly three months since the disappointment of the Nations League, Germany looked out of shape and sorts. They had never lost a World Cup qualifier away from home before tonight. History had been made, but not the kind that Nagelsmann wanted.
Here are the key takeaways from Germany’s loss.
World Champions?
“We still have to convince the public, but I would like to emphasize once again that it is healthy to set goals,” head coach Julian Nagelsmann said ahead of the game. The goal of world champions remains, but the focus is on the process.
Germany’s performance against Slovakia made their goals look loftier now than they . Germany looked lethargic and were very lucky to be behind by only one goal at the break. By the time David Strelec had turned Antonio Rüdiger inside out and doubled the hosts’ lead, Germany looked like a boxer who had been 12 rounds.
The problem is, the new domestic football season has just started. Germany’s two leading attackers — and — have just moved for a combined transfer value of €210 million ($245). And Nagelsmann has been in charge for two years. In short, this performance is somewhat inexplicable.
Before the game, Nagelsmann spoke of a to-do list for his side . It included efficient possession, winning the ball lots and reducing the number of big chances the opposition has.
Afterwards, effectively admitted to ARD that those three issues were what undid Germany:
“In all phases [we were lacking], with the ball, when we lost the ball, transitions, defensively, we lacked connection to the game. It was a very weak performance from us.”
Nagelsmann laments lack of emotion
“It was a surprise for us, that the game went the way it did,” Tah said afterwards.
Everything about this was a surprise, but perhaps most of all was Germany’s lack of drive.
“The first five to six minutes of the second half were a bit lighter, but the rest was very dark,” Nagelsmann said afterwards.
“Emotionally, our opponents were miles better than us,” a visibly frustrated Nagelsmann continued. “If we don’t manage to find this emotion, then you can close the book.”
Germany’s head coach admitted that the team talked about the issues amongst itself, but stressed that each player needed to enter every game with the intent and drive of a semifinal.
“We don’t need to talk about system or tactics. This is about mindset, which was the problem in the last few games too,” captain Joshua Kimmich said afterwards.
For a team that has spent most of the last decade enduring rather than enjoying, this felt like a night when the disappointment of recent years weighed heavy and the joy of
Nnamdi Collins – a disappointing debut
With Julian Nagelsmann now permanently moving Kimmich into midfield, Germany’s right back spot is open for any takers. Step forward Nnamdi Collins, Frankfurt’s 21-year-old versatile defender who has burst onto the scene.
Making his Germany debut, Collins had a tough night. His attacking ventures were not matched with dangerous delivery, and defensively he struggled to contain the 19-year-old Leo Sauer down the left-hand side. If this was the night for staking a claim, Collins failed to do so and was hooked at the break.
With left back Maximilian Mittelstädt moving to right back, and Collins’ replacement David Raum then on the left, Collins had a disappointing night, but was also part of a poor collective performance.
Questions will be asked why Joshua Kimmich wasn’t moved to right back, but ultimately this was a reminder that Germany’s long-standing wingback problem appears to be a long way from being solved.
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