The legendary ‘Mannschaft’ makes its 20th World Cup appearance in Qatar. Germany holds a mesmerizing record during their long history on the competition, having earned four championships (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014), four second place finishes, and an additional four third place runs. The reputation proceeds this squad, and the Teutons will be looking to make up for the 2018 World Cup disaster, when as defending champions, didn’t even make it through the group stages.
Strong But Manageable Group
Germany will make its debut on the 2022 World Cup on Wednesday, November 23rd versus Japan, a very challenging opponent, but one that could get things going for the ‘Mannschaft’. On match-day 2, one of the most anticipated matches for the World Cup will be held; Germany against Spain, this game could have mayor implications for both teams going forward in the competition, so both will try to get the win. Match-day 3 looks a lot more comfortable for the Teutons as they will take on Costa Rica, a side that will find it almost impossible to inflict any damage.
New Manager Still Struggling
When long tenured Joachim Löw (World Cup Champion in 2014) left the German National Team after 15 years, it was his assistant, and former FC Bayern Munich manager, Hansi Flick who took over the senior squad in 2021, and needless to say, its been tough adjusting to the hottest seat in German Football. Flick has struggled to find consistency since he took on the job, and his latest failure includes crashing out from the UEFA Nations League, where they finished 3rd in their group behind Italy, and Hungary. He is still looking to pin down his best starting XI for their World Cup debut, and there is not much time left on the clock. This could prove to be a challenge, but the ‘Mannshaft’ has enough star power to make up for it.
Seasoned Veterans Lead The Way
Nothing has changed for the last decade as this team is still led by two World Cup champions, and legendary players that have made their mark in football history. Team captain, Thomas Müller is a relentless forward who can’t stop scoring goals when playing for Germany, and he once again will be key for success. On goal, Manuel Neuer, one of the best goalkeepers in the history of the sport, will make another World Cup appearance at 36 years old. His ability not just as a shot stopper, but projecting the team from the back is something not many can emulate.
This squad is not short on new talent, and generational gems. Some other names to watch out for this elite squad include: Joshua Kimmich, Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sane, Julian Brandt, Leon Goretzka, and Julian Draxler, to name a few.
A Dormant Giant
Even though Germany has not impressed since Flick took over, you can never write this team off, since is just a matter of time before the giant awakes from its sleep. The ‘Mannshaft’ is going to be very motivated, specially after what happened on their last World Cup, so this could give them an extra boost. The German National Team has enough fire power to make it to the semi-finals, and if the team, who has played together for a long time, can find its footing, there’s always a chance they can even contend for the title.
