The World Cup is days away. Fantom Sports presents a new series where we will take a look into some of the major contenders for the World Cup title, starting with Germany. After disastrous outcomes in back-to-back major tournaments in World Cup 2018 and Euro 2020, the Germans are making a turnaround. The younger and more appetite players now replace players of the legendary squad, like Toni Kroos or Mesut Oezil, that brought them World Cup glory. So what should the fans expect from Germany in the upcoming World Cup?
A rejuvenation roster
Head coach Hansi Flick will announce his 26-men roster joining him in Qatar. It will be a much younger squad compared to past competitions. There will be multiple teenagers across the board. Bayern’s superstar Jamal Musiala, Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko, or Gladbach’s Luca Netz are among the possible youngsters to receive their call-ups. But there will still be about three to four experienced veterans from the 2014 squad to lead the way. Captain Manuel Neuer, the Raumdeuter Thomas Muller, center-back Mats Hummels, and even the Golden Boy Mario Goetze are eligible for possibly their last World Cup for their country.
The rest of the squads will consist of players in the peak of their prime, like Joshua Kimmich, Serge Gnabry, or Antonio Ruediger.
A 2010-like Germany miracle run.
After unfortunately failing to win the 2006 World Cup at home and the 2008 Euro, Germany decided to blow it all up. Former coach Joakim Loew brought a squad with a core of 2009 U-21 Euro winners to South Africa. That young Germany shocked the world, advancing to the semifinal before losing to eventual champion Spain. But Lukas Podolski, Mesut Oezil, Thomas Muller, Sami Khedira, Manuel Neuer, Jerome Boateng, and Mats Hummels made a name for themselves. The key players of that 2010 campaign then ran it back to win the crown in Brazil four years later. Hansi Flick and this year’s squad have a legitimate chance to do what the Golden Generation did over a decade ago. And if there is anything the football fans know, it is never counting out Germany, even when they are rebuilding.
The problems
Striker, a pure striker, a Miroslav Klose, or a Mario Gomez. In 2022 Germany does not have that type of player anymore. Their best striker Timo Werner is more of a free-roaming type. But he is injured and will miss the World Cup, meaning Hansi Flick will have to either play with zero strikers or put the faith and hopes of a country in the hands of 17-year-old Moukoko or mediocre Fullkrug. But we all know how tactical Hansi Flick can be. Let’s wait and see how he handles this issue.
Another problem lies in the defense. It can be unstable at times. Also, most players in the backline are either young or inexperient. It is instrumental for coach Flick to get them better mentally before the big tournament.
The stars
Germany always possesses a star-studded squad. In our opinion, here are the most influential players for Die Mannschaft in Qatar
- Manuel Neuer: the captain. With lightning reflexes and outstanding ball skills, the German goalkeeper is the key to the defense.
- Antonio Rudiger: the rock-solid center-back. Gritty and fearless, he is one of the best defenders in the world right now.
- Joshua Kimmich: the midfield maestro. There is no one like him: cool, calm, collected, and always knows where to deliver the ball.
- Jamal Musiala: the up-and-coming playmaker. With masterful dribbles and fine finishing, there are barely any attacking midfielders in such fine form.
- Kai Havertz: the weapon up front. The false 9 Hansi Flick loves to utilize, and you can trust him to step up when it matters the most.
The X-factor
Each team needs some X-factors that can bring unanticipated changes to the game. Germany has some of those too.
- Jonas Hofmann: the speed down the right wing. He always seems the best version of himself when playing for the national team, scoring and assisting plenty of goals.
- David Raum: left-wing threat. He possesses one of the best curves on his crosses and blazing speed, truly one of the best Left wingbacks in the world.
- Leroy Sane: boom or bust. He has been outstanding for Bayern, but consistency has always been the question. If he stays in form, Germany can go big time.
Realistic prediction for Germany
Of course, the goal for Hansi Flick and his players is to go all the way and bring the cup back to Germany. But putting the players’ lack of experience and inconsistency at times into consideration, we have them to make it to the QUARTER-FINAL. They will cruise through the Group Stage with ease. We even have them top the group. But do they have enough mental toughness and trickery when facing better opponents? Germany in the 2022 World Cup will be a fun team to watch, but it isn’t time yet. Watch out for them four years later, as they will be the favorite to win it all.
Germany’s Group Stage fixtures:
Wed, Nov. 23: Germany vs. Japan. Khalifa Int’l
Sun, Nov. 27: Spain vs. Germany. Al Bayt
Thurs, Dec. 1: Costa Rica vs. Germany. Al Bayt
What is your prediction for Germany in this World Cup? Let us know
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