New Low for Germany
For so long the dependables of international football, Germany are anything but nowadays. A miserable year could be capped with relegation from Europe’s top tier and I fully expect France to push them closer towards that increasingly likely prospect on Tuesday night.
Germany ‘broke apart’
Not words you’d normally associate with the German national team but manager Joachim Löw could only be brutally honest at the way his side folded to a fifth defeat of the calendar year and a third in six games in Amsterdam on Saturday night.
After finishing bottom of their group in this summer’s World Cup finals, Die Manschaft now run the risk of doing the same in their first ever Nations League campaign following the comprehensive 3-0 defeat to an ever-improving Dutch team.
Joachim Löw, under the microscope more than ever now, has plenty to do to prevent an embarrassing relegation to Europe’s second tier of international football. Low morale and a daunting trip to play the World Champions sees them only heading one way.
Fortuitous France still real deal
Les Bleus can count themselves fortunate to have not been on the end of an embarrassing friendly defeat to Iceland last Thursday. Two goals down in the 85th minute, the World Champions were staring at a first loss in 14 games until persistence paid off and parity was restored in the last minute of normal time.
As officially the world’s best team, France, should be beating the likes of Iceland with little trouble. But it’s hard to read too much into the result considering changes were made to the starting XI, as well as throughout the second half, not to mention motivation which probably wasn’t at its highest given the games importance compared to events of the last couple of months.
While their foot may have been off the gas against Iceland, playing a fellow international heavyweight in Germany will bring out the best in the World Champions. Deschamps will restore his side to full strength knowing a victory will go some way to securing top spot.
A new low for German football
Travelling to the home of the World Champions would’ve been the last match Löw had in mind for his side right now – he and his underperforming side can ill afford another loss if they are to avoid the humiliation of relegation.
Yet, having failed to score in three straight competitive games for the first time in their history, Germany clearly lack conviction and belief and will be up against it more than ever in Paris.
It hasn’t been this bad in quite some time for Germany but it looks like only getting worse before it gets better.
Post bet chat Nick's Tips:
I was a tad worried Germany were going to hold out for a morale boosting win but France managed to turn it around, despite appearing rather lacklustre.