2018 is not the year of the German national team. Another loss against France brought the former world champion the sixth loss this year, some historical mark nobody in Germany will happily remember. Especially after the also historically high debacle in the Holland game, tensions are high and calls for an end of the era Low are getting louder and louder.
France as the current world champion has been in a way better and very comfortable position, after winning this year’s tournament in Russia and after playing successfully and winning all games so far in the new established Nation’s League.
So Germany had to deliver, but after last night’s game they are now even closer to being downgraded to League B, only one more game left and it is not in their hands anymore.
But at least this time Löw cannot be accused of not listening to his critics. The German team was changed to 5 positions, especially Leroy Sane was back on the field again. It really seems to be the time now where the German coach has to risk something and give the younger generation a chance if he want's to keep sight with the leading football nations and to remain in League A.
The German team started committed but visibly nervous, which could easily be noticed when Toni Kross shot his penalty kick. At least the first goal had some stabilizing effect, the Germans were more focused and Sane had the opportunity to increase to 2:0. But also France had its chances and especially before the halftime whistle was the more dangerous team.
At the beginning of the second half the French team started superior, but young star Mbappe found his champion in Neuer. But even Neuer could not prevent the equalizer, Griezmann scored a wonderful header. Griezmann also scored the winning goal, this time with a penalty, and gave Neuer no chance again.
The German team played courageously and tried to shake off and make forget the many mistakes and defeats of the last games. But France played routinely with the charm and self-confidence of a world champion. And this advantage paid off in the end and brought the team three more points and the continuous lead in group 1.
It seems Griezmann is Germany's Nemesis. Four goals in two games, no further words are needed. Undoubtedly the best and most important man on the field.
France is still in a celebratory mood and has made an outstanding start in the new Nations League. Group victory in group 1 is within reach.
Germany, on the other hand, is trembling all the more and is staggering towards relegation to Nations League B. Should the Dutch win against the French in the next game, the German guest appearance in League A will be already over. And in the last game the Germans themselves need a high victory against the Oranje.
Now the position of team coach Jogi Löw is now all the more uncertain, as never seen before. Should Germany actually go down to League B, the DFB would really have to think deeply about Löw's future and also not to reject alternatives from the outset. For the German team, the next few weeks will remain interesting and nerve-racking.
The French, on the other hand, can slowly shift down a gear and look back on an extremely successful football year. The team is still young enough to inspire in the next years too and to provide for further highlights and excitement. Be aware!
This is actually my very first article on sports and football, I hope you had as much fun reading as I had writing it.
Thank you for stopping by, I’m looking forward to your comments.
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