Loud whistles at the next bankruptcy
DFB-Elf also messed up the end of the season against Colombia
06/20/2023, 10:39 p.m
Next low point instead of a change of mood: The German national soccer team loses the last test of the season against Colombia in Gelsenkirchen. The criticism of national coach Hansi Flick should be even louder after the international match without a win, for the Cafeteros it is the first success against the DFB-Elf ever.
In the end, Hansi Flick watched the next bitter international flop petrified in his tottering chair, whistles hailed from the stands for the completely unsettled national team and their battered boss. And up on the VIP stand in Gelsenkirchen, DFB President Bernd Neuendorf and Director Rudi Völler looked at a loss.
The helpless national coach Flick and his despondent eleven start the EM season with a heavy mortgage. The newly formed DFB team also lost to poisonous Colombians deservedly 0: 2 (0: 0). The pressure on Flick is increasing and increasing, after only three victories in a completely unsuccessful season he is looking forward to a restless summer – despite the job guarantee.
“I don’t know if it’s enough to worry about. It’s dramatic, you have to say that very clearly,” said Leon Goretzka on RTL. “It’s missing at every nook and corner. All in all, that’s far too little.” In September against Japan and France, results are urgently needed. Then, Flick promised, “everything will look completely different” – and the football nation will finally get to see its EM team to fuel the hoped-for tournament euphoria.
Liverpool striker Luis Diaz (54th) brought the world number 17. in the lead, the back three looked bad. Flick’s team vehemently fought the defeat, their angry boss switched to a back four after a good hour. But Joshua Kimmich, who came on as a substitute 42 seconds earlier, caused a hand penalty that Colombia’s captain Juan Cuadrado (82nd) used to decide.
Flick had demanded a sense of achievement
Flick and his stars were warmly welcomed by 50,421 fans in the muggy, warm, not sold-out arena. But despite all her effort, she made too many mistakes, especially in the build-up. The returned triple hero Ilkay Gündogan also played inconspicuously, the penalty area was insufficiently occupied. Flick soon grew impatient and scolded. There were whistles at the break.
As announced, Flick continued his experimental phase and brought in five new players in his 3-4-2-1 system. The only constant in all three international matches in June was Antonio Rüdiger: only the defense chief had also started against Ukraine (3:3) and in Poland (0:1).
“We know what it’s all about, that we need a sense of achievement,” assured Flick and added with a view to the 2024 European Championship at home: “Otherwise it will be too difficult.” His eleven tried a lot, tried to be creative up front. Flick had announced “a focus” there.
Havertz remains pale in front
But the first chances belonged to the guest. Yerry Mina’s header (14′) went wide of the goal, that of Frankfurt’s Rafael Borre (23′), who prevailed against Poland “winner” Malick Thiaw, was sure prey for Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The goalkeeper had to do again shortly afterwards: he intervened when speedsters from the “last generation” tried to chain themselves to the post.
The defense around Emre Can, who was unexpectedly called up in the center, remained in focus. Thiaw saved in great need against the broken Diaz (28th), two minutes later Ter Stegen parried against Mina. Then the DFB-Elf was lucky when Robin Gosens had his hand on the ball, but the possible penalty whistle didn’t materialize (31′).
Too many balls were lost in the converted midfield with Gündogan, Leon Goretzka and Jamal Musiala. Striker Kai Havertz, whom Flick once again preferred to Niclas Füllkrug (“Kai brings us even more”), barely got through. After all, he gave Musiala the first chance (45th). But even after the change of sides, Flick had plenty of reason to be angry. A simple cross from Cuadrado to the five was enough for Diaz to head in from a free stand. Jhon Arias (58th) had the 0:2 on his foot. Flick brought Joker’s jug. “He will give us an extra boost,” he announced. There was more going on in the sixteen with the Bremen player, but it wasn’t enough to do more.