That thud you heard was the German national team crashing out of the World Cup. Winners in 2014 and favorites to repeat, "die Mannschaft" couldn't even escape their group, falling to a 1-0-2 record after a shock 2-0 loss to South Korea. Even their lone victory (2-1 over Sweden) was by the skin of their teeth, and arguably a gift, as the last goal came late in overage time. In their opener (a 1-0 loss to Mexico), they looked lethargic and apathetic. Oi.
I started following the German team marginally in 2008 (during the Euro Cup), but in earnest in 2010 (World Cup). I was smitten by their team-first, pass-happy style. I love watching those crisp, accurate passes in quick succession (early in the Sweden game, they had passed 122 times . . . to Sweden's 6). Though they consistently dominate possession, the Germans failed to find the net in two of their three games this time around. Oh well. It's a good reminder that the best team on paper means nothing; it must be earned.
Here is a link to the Bundesliga (German national soccer league) World Cup commentary. The starting 11 for each game is shown below. The lineup variation attests both to Germany's depth and their coach's exasperation in getting it all to 'click.' Some amazing players (like 2014 heroes Andre Schurrle and Mario Gotze) were even left off the squad due to the level of competition. But it was all for naught. Though their 2018 experience was brief, and performance poor, I still enjoy watching them- especially Mats Hummels, my favorite defender. Ultimately, the real shame (for me) is that this team isn't getting any younger, and with this world stage offered only every four years, it may be the last time many of them play to this audience. But still, maybe next time, Deutschland. Maybe next time.
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