German Soccer Team's Downfall Continues: 0-2 Loss to Austria
The German national soccer team suffered another crushing defeat, this time against Austria, making their road to the European Championships even more treacherous. After a disappointing 3-2 loss to Turkey three days prior, the team strutted into the international break with no respite, as they dropped the Vienna clash 0-2 (0-1). With intense frustration looming, Leroy Sané's uncontrollable outburst may force him to miss the entire preparation phase for the tournament.
Nagelsmann and the German Team Face Turmoil
Germany's poor showings leaves Nagelsmann and the team in a precarious state seven months before the tournament's opening match. After a series of subpar performances, Germany faced Austria, who aggressively pursued their place in the European Championships. The DFB team wouldn't escape the VIP-Tour with a victory, instead, they found themselves saddled with an alarming debt.
Sané Escalates Beyond Control
Having faced criticism, Leroy Sané seemed more determined than ever to make his mark on the game in the second half. After a heated confrontation with Philly Mwene, Sané couldn't contain his anger. With a fiery fist, he pushed Mwene to the ground, resulting in a straight red card and potentially forcing him to miss the entire European Championship preparations.
Dortmund Professional Sabitzer Secures Austria's Victory
With Bavarian star Sané sent off, the DFB team had to hold off the Austrians' assault. Determined to get a result, Ralf Rangnick's team proved to be a formidable opponent. Marcel Sabitzer, Dortmund professional, sealed Austria's victory after a dominant 73 minutes, while Christoph Baumgartner combined with Michael Gregoritsch to secure the winning goal for the hosts.
Nagelsmann Struggles to Find Answers
Having addressed the much-maligned defense with several changes, Nagelsmann failed to steer the DFB team to a victory. The German team struggled to maintain possession and were vulnerable to long ball attacks from Austria. Despite the introduction of veteran Mats Hummels as an additional central defender, the team's performance remained stagnant.
Germany Fails to Display Quality Attacking Play
Germany's attack appeared lifeless in the first half, failing to create any meaningful chances despite Kai Havertz's decent efforts on the left flank. The midfield struggled to bring momentum to the team, resulting in a disappointingly one-sided game in Austria's favor.
Not the First Time for the DFB Team
Germany's inability to maintain a clean sheet against Austria wasn't a one-off event — it was the tenth consecutive time they couldn't keep one since the 2-0 defeat against Peru in March. Though the team hoped for a reaction, they never seemed to get their act together in the first half, with Serge Gnabry's effort at the end of the first half reflecting their overall performance.
The Impact of Joshua Kimmich's Absence
The absence of Joshua Kimmich in the midfield was apparent, as his replacement Leon Goretzka failed to provide the necessary drive to push the team forward. The gaping hole left by Kimmich's absence clearly weakened Germany's midfield, making them susceptible to Austria's counter attacks.
Tactical Shift Required for Germany
With Leroy Sané out of the mix, Nagelsmann will need to rearrange his tactics to compensate for the loss. If Germany wants any chance of success in the European Championships, they must find a way to dust off the defeat and regain their confidence before their next match.
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Despite the lack of a concrete loss to Austria, there were several factors that could have contributed to Germany's struggles against the qualifying side. Some of these factors stretched well beyond the actual game against Austria itself:
- Team Consistency:
- Striking a balance of consistency and excitement within the team could be one of the most challenging aspects for Germany's coach, Julian Nagelsmann. While Leroy Sané's performances have been momentous, they have been inconsistent at best. Nagelsmann will need to find the perfect balance between keeping Sané motivated and maintaining structure after his suspension.
- Player Availability:
- The health and availability of key players is always crucial for any team's performance, and Germany wasn't immune to this reality. Without Joshua Kimmich, one of their leading midfielders, the team's configuration was noticeably disrupted, weakening their abilities to connect and score essential goals.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Nagelsmann's adaptability as a coach plays a vital role in addressing inconsistencies in his team. His ability to adjust strategies based on player availability, opposition strengths, and Sané's suspension will be essential to maintaining excellence moving forward.
