World Cup 2018: 3 reasons why Germany crashed out

#3 Omissions from the team

Leroy Sane was left out of Germany's 23-man squad

A number of leading lights was left out in the cold by Joachim Low as he prepared his final squad for Russia and the decision proved to be detrimental.

Leroy Sane was a player who generated headlines with his exclusion from Germany's 23-man squad. Many questions and brickbats were hurled at the manager for leaving out the Manchester City starlet and the criticism was all but right.

Things might have shaped up well for Germany had they boasted of the 22-year-old, who patently made his absence felt. The midfield was exposed several times in the tournament as players failed to endure the pressure and were easily dispossessed.

At such times, you are forced to think of Leroy Sane who has shot to fame in the past couple of years due to his shrewdness in the core of the pitch. The former Schalke player is not only adept at slaloming past opponents with ease but can also open up spaces for his team-mates with skilful passes.

On top of that, Manuel Neuer was chosen ahead of an in-form Ter Stegen. While it is true that the Bayern goalkeeper did not make any mentionable errors, it is fair to say that he was not at his best. The prize-winner of Golden Glove 2014 conceded 4 goals in 3 matches and this tally, in all likelihood, would have been better if Low had given precedence to form over status.