The 2018 World Cup in Russia was a tournament to forget for German football fans. As defending champions, the pressure was on Die Mannschaft to repeat their success from Brazil four years prior. However, a series of lackluster performances saw the team crash out in the group stages, marking a new low for one of international football’s most decorated nations. Let’s take a look back at the German players who took the field in 2018 and examine their performance.
A Star-Studded Lineup That Failed to Deliver
On paper, Germany boasted a squad overflowing with talent and experience. Many of the 2014 World Cup-winning squad returned, including Manuel Neuer, Mats Hummels, Toni Kroos, and Thomas Müller. Joining them were a new generation of promising youngsters such as Timo Werner and Joshua Kimmich. Despite the wealth of talent, Germany struggled to find any rhythm or form throughout their three group stage matches.
A Shocking Defeat to Mexico
Germany’s campaign got off to the worst possible start with a 1-0 defeat to Mexico. Hirving Lozano’s goal in the 35th minute exposed weaknesses in the German defense, and despite dominating possession, Joachim Löw’s side failed to find a way past a resilient Mexican backline.
A Glimmer of Hope Against Sweden
Facing elimination, Germany rallied to a dramatic 2-1 victory over Sweden thanks to a stunning free-kick from Toni Kroos in the dying seconds of the match. The win breathed life back into their campaign but also highlighted the team’s tendency to leave it late.
Early Exit After Defeat to South Korea
Any hope of progressing was extinguished in the final group game as Germany slumped to a humiliating 2-0 defeat to South Korea. The result sent shockwaves through the world of football and marked the first time in 80 years that Germany failed to progress past the first round of the World Cup.
What Went Wrong for Germany?
Several factors contributed to Germany’s disappointing World Cup campaign. Tactically, Löw’s decision to stick with an aging core of players backfired, as the team looked slow and predictable in possession. Furthermore, there appeared to be a lack of leadership and cohesion within the squad, particularly in the wake of the Mesut Özil controversy that overshadowed their preparations.
Lessons Learned for the Future
The 2018 World Cup served as a harsh reality check for German football. The team’s early exit forced a period of reflection and rebuilding, leading to a changing of the guard and a renewed focus on youth development. While the pain of their 2018 failure lingers, it also provided valuable lessons that German football can learn from as they look to return to the summit of the world game.