English
4-time World Champions, Germany will be looking to retain the title of ‘World champions’ for a record equaling fifth time (along with Brazil). ‘Die Mannschaft’ has a new addition of foot and flair in their 23-man squad with the likes of Timo Werner, Leon Goretzka, Julian Brandt, Antonio Rudiger , Niklas Sule and Sebastian Rudy, Joshua Kimmich and Marvin Plattenhardt.
Premier League ‘PFA Young Player Of The Year’ dropped”:
Leroy Sane, despite having a stellar season at Manchester City FC, assisting 14 and scoring 19 goals in all tournaments was dropped and this decision raised eye brows among footballers , pundits fans alike.
When you find out @LeroySane19 isn’t going to the World Cup pic.twitter.com/0IV3VVahXX
— Kyle Walker (@kylewalker2) June 4, 2018
Tweet: Leroy Sane’s Manchester City teammate Kyle Walker expresses his reaction.
According to German coach , Joachim Low, It was a “close decision” between Sane and Julian Brandt.
FINAL SQUAD :
Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona), Kevin Trapp (Paris St-Germain)
Defenders: Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Matthias Ginter (Borussia Monchengladbach), Jonas Hector (Cologne), Mats Hummels (Bayern Munich), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Marvin Plattenhardt (Hertha Berlin), Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea), Niklas Sule (Bayern Munich)
Midfielders: Julian Brandt (Bayer Leverkusen), Julian Draxler (Paris St-Germain), Leon Goretska (Schalke), Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City), Sami Khedira (Juventus), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Sebastian Rudy (Bayern Munich)
Strikers: Mario Gomez (Stuttgart), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund), Timo Werner (RB Leipzig)
SWOT Analysis:
Germany’s recent 2-1 loss to Austria gives them a ‘reality check’ and tactics to ponder upon before they take on Mexico on June 17th at the World Cup.
Germany’s group comprises of Mexico, Sweden and South Korea. On paper, they do look favorites but as far history goes, that doesn’t mean jack in football!STRENGTHS: Germany’s defense strength is unmatched by any other nation in the World Cup, with the likes of Manuel Neuer and Ters Stegen, two of the world’s best goalkeepers in the same team and a solid centre-back pairing comprising of Boateng and Hummels. The defensive team should ideally form a formidable unit for Germany at the world cup.
WEAKNESS: Germany has the complete squad with the right balance of experienced, young and top talents in their varsity. But what they do lack is a world class Central Defensive midfielder. Sami Khedira is not in the same shape as he was 4 years back , pertaining to his injury plagued stints every now and then. back up Leon Goretska does not have the experience and flair to operate that position as well as some of Germany’s rivals do.
OPPORTUNITIES : The immense talent in the midfield that Germany possess should be taken advantage off, with likes of Mesut Ozil and Toni Kroos, two of the worlds best midfielders who have an eye for finding spaces within tight angles and creating something out of nothing. This will provide the forwards with lots of goal scoring chances.
THREATS: Germany’s threats lie in their oppositions like Brazil , France and Argentina. Not having an out and out proper number 9 striker could also leave them at the back seat as their rivals posses that extra edge and Mario Gomez at the age of 32 doesn’t have that extra flair to match world-class strikers like Harry Kane, Luis Suarez, Aguero and Griezmann.
Matches and Venues :
June 17 – vs. Mexico at 8:30 PM. (venue: Moscow, Luzhniki )
June 23 – vs. Sweden at 11:30 PM. (venue: Sochi)
June 27 – vs. South Korea at 7:30 PM. (venue: Kazan )
For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest Sports News on India.com.