DFB-Elf awards 2-0 lead: Next German disappointment in Nations League

LAt that time, Wembley Stadium was a place of subdued mood on Monday night. The football classic between England and Germany did not really want to get going. And when he did, goals were scored for the guest from Germany. The German national soccer team led 2-0 through goals from Ilkay Gündogan (53rd penalty) and Kai Havertz (67th).

But what happened next should keep Hansi Flick and his team busy for a while – the English fans at least felt like they were in a football wonderland when Luke Shaw (72′), Mason Mount (75′) and Harry Kane took a penalty kick (83′) made 3:2 out of 0:2. Of course, the English were already relegated from the A division of the Nations League – but why not make the best of it and spoil the mood of the old rival as best you can? But in the midst of the party mood, Havertz scored a second time (87′), and so there was no longer any reason for the really big feelings on either side; things calmed down again in Wembley.

“It was a good test. I’ll take a lot of positive things with me, but also a few negative things,” said Flick afterwards, adding: “The first half was balanced. In the second half we did quite well for 20 minutes and deservedly led 2-0. Then we made individual mistakes and quickly scored three goals. That must not happen.”

Just one German win from six games

Flick can now think about what to do with this initially tough, then wild game. Three insights immediately suggest themselves. Firstly, his team finds it difficult to create chances from open play. Second: Jamal Musiala tends to hold the key to such opportunities. Third: In view of the last twenty minutes and the chaos in the defense, the German team is also capable of a sudden loss of control.

In any case, the Nations League round ended with just one win from six games, and even if the 3: 3 was a clear improvement compared to the 0: 1 against Hungary on Friday: All in all, the national coach and his team had the presented a little differently in recent months. There is a lot of uncertainty and many unanswered questions in the immediate preparation for the World Cup, in which only one test against Oman is pending. But the Germans didn’t look like a serious contender for the title, that much could be said on this London evening, with the best will in the world.

After the pennants were exchanged and the ball rolled, Kane and Nico Schlotterbeck exchanged cordialities. The England captain got the ball rolling in an aerial duel, while the Dortmunder countered with a resolute tackle. Less than two minutes had been played, but after this bold overture, things were subdued for a while. A lot was tried, but in the end most of it was neutralized, on the English side the murmuring got louder when a back pass caused calamities with goalkeeper Pope. The Germans were already trying to think a bit more vertically than on Friday, but they didn’t find a clear path to the goal at first, more precisely: not even into the penalty area. A lot of control, little effect, that’s how the goalless first half could be summed up.