A disastrous 2-1 loss to Japan in the opening game of the World Cup final has served as an alarming wake-up call for Germany.
Arriving in Qatar as favorites to advance in the tournament, Hansi Flick’s unique setup was too mediocre to shy away from Japan’s relentless tenacity and aggression.
Although Germany was undoubtedly the dominant team in the first half, Japan perked up in the second half, pushing higher, winning the ball in midfield and exposing Germany’s unknown position on the flanks.
Like Erik ten Hag, Hansi Flick made a name for himself coaching Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. He became the coach of the national team and achieved a win rate of more than 80% with Bayern. Leading his country in his first major international tournament in charge, Flick’s start (or “wake-up call” as Ralph Honigstein put it) and tactical setup are similar to Erik ten Hag’s at Manchester United.
In his first official game in charge of United, Ten Hag’s team lost 2-1 to Brighton & Hove Albon. Conceding two goals before half time, United were stunned by Brighton’s high-energy approach and direct, precise build-up play, similar to Germany’s reaction to Japan’s change of strategy in the second half.
At the end of the two meetings in question, the experienced players judged their 2-1 defeats in the first game with gothic accusations: “a nightmare start” according to Harry Maguire, “a horror scenario” according to Thomas Müller.
Honigstein stated in The Athletic that the result was “unnecessary, avoidable and entirely self-inflicted”. […] the worst kind of loss for any team, due to its corrosive effect on morale.”
Indeed, this corrosive effect proved damning for Ten Hag, who watched his side concede four goals to Brentford in the second Premier League game of the season. The Dutchman adjusted and gained stability after this embarrassment. Flick can’t afford to lose another group stage game.
Under the management of Joachim Löw in 2018, Germany lost their first match in Russia to Mexico, and were subsequently knocked out by South Korea ten days later.
Flick has demanded that this comparison not resonate with his setup. But with a crucial game against top-flight, top-flight Spain on Sunday, Germany’s World Cup writing may already be on the wall.
Flick’s decisions in the game also echoed Ten Hag’s. Having opted to place Christian Eriksen as part of the front three, Ten Hag replaced No. 9 assistant Cristiano Ronaldo early in the second half, although he made it clear in the summer that the Portuguese’s profile did not align with his own. managerial ideals.
Similarly, Flick resorted to signing target man Niclas Füllkrug, who had yet to make a competitive appearance for Germany.
Though unsuccessful, Flick’s tactical approaches brought an air of resemblance to Ten Hag’s.
With “left-back” David Raum stuck at left-back, “right-back” Nicolas Süle pushed in to his familiar position of centre-back when Germany had possession. Diogo Dalot has excelled in this multi-functional right-back role for Ten Hag this season, the Dutchman being an avid fan of reverse full-backs to complement midfield. Süle was ultimately responsible for putting Takuma Asano aside in the build-up for the decisive goal, with Nicolas Schlotterbeck realizing his teammates’ mistake too late.
İlkay Gündoğan positioned himself in the role that Christian Eriksen occupies at United, that is, the ‘field marshal’. Picking up the ball from the centre-backs in the midfield area, the Manchester City midfielder was easily Germany’s best player, while Joshua Kimmich played in more of a box-to-box position.
Serge Gnabry, who was briefly linked with United last summer, was pushed down the right, almost touching the sideline as Süle leaned back. Ten Hag’s star signing, €100m Brazilian winger Antony, fulfills this duty for United. The former Ajax star is a traditional winger in that he parades parallel and close to the sideline, which Gnabry did for Germany.
With Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz and Thomas Müller, Flick clearly wants a fluid front line. The trio was noticeable that they did not make many touches around the rival box, preferring to combine sharply and quickly. Although this interaction ultimately paid no dividends for Germany and Flick, there was a clear similarity to the way Ten Hag likes United’s three forwards to play.
It’s hard to judge if Flick can emulate Ten Hag’s quick change and guide Germany to the next stage of the World Cup. Spain has an incredibly talented team, but so does Germany. Tournament football is always immensely difficult to predict, and with one game to turn the tide, Flick will feel immense pressure.
Germany faces Spain at 20:00 CET this Sunday.
