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Everything is already at stake for the DFB team in the second World Cup group match against Spain. And for coach Flick about the job?
Legend:
The initial shock was deep
Disbelief is written all over Kai Havertz and Nico Schlotterbeck.
Imago Images/Sven Simon
After the surprising opening defeat against Japan, Germany is under massive pressure at the World Cup in Qatar. The DFB team had already started the tournament with a defeat in 2018 – and then promptly missed the knockout phase. At that time, the end came “only” in the third game. Should Japan score against Costa Rica on Sunday, Germany would be out after two if they lost again – as early as 1938.
A win in the second group game against Spain is a must for Hansi Flick’s team. And at the same time the ultimate test. Because the last competitive win against “La Roja” felt like an eternity ago. 34 years to be exact.
The humiliation in the Nations League was less long ago when the Germans lost 6-0 to Spain. The defeat almost cost Joachim Löw his job. Now his heir Flick is in the crossfire – and facing his biggest test after 15 months in office.
Don’t patch the “(too) nice Hansi”
After the Japan debacle, harsh words were said to have been spoken in the German team hotel. “Everyone knows what’s going on after the meeting,” reported Kai Havertz of the apparently emotional discussion. It was time to talk to each other and tell each other the truth.
“The last thing you can blame the coach for is that he doesn’t speak clearly to us,” Havertz remarked after previously being reported by the (too) “nice Hansi”. A general change is not to be expected from Flick, despite the disillusionment at the start of the World Cup. The DFB coach still has to ask himself certain questions.
The defensive variant with Niklas Süle as right-back should probably be over. In midfield, Flick has to clarify whether he can find a place for Leon Goretzka with Joshua Kimmich and Ilkay Gündogan. A healing of Leroy Sané’s right knee would also give an important option offensively. Jamal Musiala could play more centrally.
Of the 26 players in the German squad, only Thomas Müller, Antonio Rüdiger and Mario Götze know what a win against Spain feels like. They were there in the 1-0 friendly in Vigo 8 years ago on a rainy night. Only one thing can be said with certainty for Sunday: the weather will be different.