Active Agony: Germany's National Squad Failed to Shine Against France's Nonchalant Bravura
World-class Tactician Uncovers Remarkable Blueprint in Football Management
Soccer fans are left scratching their heads after Germany's national team succumbed to France in their latest encounter, leaving them to ponder important questions. Whilst Les Bleus contemplate their summer getaways, coach Julian Nagelsmann finds himself under mounting pressure.
French phenomenon Kylian Mbappé briefly graced the stage before the limelight shifted to Didier Deschamps. The French national soccer team coach had plenty to share in his press conference at Stuttgart Arena. He spoke about their upcoming "mini-EM," his team, and his vacation plans. Possibly he would visit Mbappé at the Club World Cup in the United States, maybe not. Oh, and a small detail, the World Cup qualifiers start again in September.
Deschamps boasts a luxury denied to Nagelsmann. His casual discussion of vacation plans is well-earned, given that his team has reigned atop the soccer world for quite some time. The German team dreams of a similar status but struggled to keep up with France in Stuttgart. The 2-0 (1-0) victory in the Nations League third-place match doesn't lie.
Calling Out the Champions: Kimmich - France Had "No Desire to Win" France's unexpected gracious offer — one Germany has become accustomed to in recent years — was extended yet again. A brief walk down memory lane: When things went awry two years ago with Hansi Flick's dismissal, interim coach Rudi Völler managed a 2-1 win against France, reviving German spirits. Several months later, Nagelsmann's new German squad established a solid foundation for the home European Championship with a 2-0 victory in Lyon.
The same olive branch was held out in Stuttgart, a lifeline Germany needed. Following their 1-2 Nations League semi-final loss to Portugal that left results acceptable but performance dismal, Germany urgently required a boost. What a statement it would have been if they managed to overcome France and claim victory.
Unfortunately, Deschamps had already declared before the France match that the third-place game would not be the most significant fixture in recent international history. His words were demonstrated in actions: Deschamps made eighth (!) changes to the starting lineup compared to the wild 4-5 encounter against Spain. This remixed team played erratically and apathetically at the start. "If we're honest, they had no desire to win," admitted Joshua Kimmich dejectedly to RTL after the final whistle.
In the early stages, Germany proved their determination to make amends. The fans displayed banners advocating for optimism: "Keep your head up!" "Chest out!" "Forward!" The players on the field followed directions diligently. In just the first five minutes, there were opportunities for five goals. However, Nick Woltemade, Niclas Füllkrug, and Karim Adeyemi failed to capitalize against French goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
And That's How Football Goes, When Chances Aren't Converted, the Opponent Scores
French counterattacks in holiday mode initially seemed underwhelming, but world-class soccer was on display just before halftime. Aurelien Tchouameni launched a ball from the halfway line to Mbappé, and Kimmich found himself unable to thwart the Real Madrid superstar, who finished gracefully.
As the second half progressed, Germany struggled to create threatening opportunities. Disappointment struck ten minutes into the half, as a goal from Deniz Undav was disallowed following a VAR review due to a foul by Füllkrug. In response, the German offense became chaotic, even prompting Nagelsmann to describe it as "suicide."
Meanwhile, France continued to showcase world-class talent, despite their sluggish play. They not only capitalized on their chances but also had top substitute options waiting on the bench. While Nagelsmann introduced debutant Tom Bischof and Maxi Mittelstädt after an hour, Deschamps unveiled Bayern star Michael Olise, PSG gem Desire Doue, and Manu Kone from AS Roma. The French counterattacks became more purposeful, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the German goal could only withstand the pressure until the 84th minute. Then Mbappé and Olise charged towards him, solidifying a 2-0 final score.
The Wounds Remain Open
On multiple fronts, this outcome stings. Instead of seizing the opportunity to place in the "mini-EM," the German team ended in the tournament's last position. In addition, they missed a chance to enter the summer break with a win, and the World Cup qualifiers loom ahead. Questions about the team's performance, motivation, and dynamics will continue to simmer until September.
In his final press conference, a more fundamental Nagelsmann spoke honestly: "We are still lagging behind a few percentage points in terms of the top teams in the world," acknowledging that the team has much to improve upon.
Germany still carries the weight of its past, even a year after the home Euro. Despite Nagelsmann's efforts to cultivate a newfound sense of confidence, the recent performances against France and Portugal have left this objective in question. Furthermore, the lack of squad depth — an issue that no coach can fix — remains a concern. For the "mini-EM," five regular starters were absent: Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, Antonio Rudiger, Angelo Stiller, and Nico Schlotterbeck. Nagelsmann was forced to make changes, even relocating Kimmich from the back four to the holding midfield position in the dying minutes.
Yet, Julian Nagelsmann remains resolute, refusing to back down from the ambitious goal he declared eleven months ago, in the very same Stuttgart Arena. "Nevertheless, I sense a special energy within the squad, not limited to the players but including the entire staff. I am optimistic despite the two defeats — also because the desire to win the World Cup remains unquenched, if we qualify. We know it's a long road ahead, but it's also a long journey for the others competing against us."
Source: ntv.de
- Soccer
- Germany
- National
- Football
- Julian Nagelsmann
Despite the setback in the Nations League third-place match against France, Julian Nagelsmann, the coach of the German national soccer team, is optimistic about their future. To strengthen the team and bridge the gap to the top-ranked teams in the world, he advocates community aid and prioritizes vocational training for players to equip them with necessary skills off the field.
