An implosion of epic proportions

Mertesacker looks on in disbelief, as his team squanders a 4-0 lead

In world football, Germany is one of the biggest names, and don’t lose a lead often. Renowned for being one of the most organised units in world football today, Germany’s team can be compared to that of a machine. Slick, smooth and efficient are just some words used to describe them. Last night however, Sweden threw a spanner in the efficient German tank that was marauding about the pitch in the first half, and what we saw in the second half was an implosion of epic proportions.

Klose’s double meant the Swedes would be down 2-0 inside 15 minutes and Thomas Muller helped Mertesacker make it 3-0, as the defender slotted past Andreas Isaksson. Germany were looking extremely comfortable at halftime, and in the start of the second half as well, as Ozil made it four. Two balls over the top by Kallstrom started the comeback, as the German defence looked in tatters. Ibrahimovic was unmarked for his header, and Lustig snuck between the two defenders to score. Neuer was also at fault, as his clumsy handling allowed Lustig’s shot to beat him at his near post. Elmander also beat Badstuber to the ball for the third goal and Ibrahimovic beat Mertesacker in the buildup to the fourth, as Germany scored in the dying minutes of the game. Toni Kroos himself had a chance to score what would’ve been a winner for Germany, but hit the post. However, Sweden’s result was fully deserved amidst the German capitulation.

Erik Hamren said after the game: “Did we believe we could get a result after going 3-0 down? No, no one would’ve thought that.”

Hamren deserves a lot of credit for his tactics as he decided to take off the anonymous Holmen and Wernbloom and replaced them with Kacanikilic and Kallstrom, both of whom contributed to the draw. Ibrahimovic also gave a half time team talk, and said: “It was like eleven different players who had entered the pitch in the second half.” Kallstrom created two goals off the bench and Kacanikilic created one. It was one of the greatest comebacks in world football, and Germany need to do a lot of reflecting after that result.

Elm embraced as Swedes salvage point.

Joachim Low was as shocked as anyone, and he said: “The problems seem to be mental, after sixty minutes as we lost our discipline.”

Germany’s captain Lahm also had no words for it as he said: “We may have thought the game was over, and when we concede the first and then the second, everything falls apart.”

What has happened to this German team in comparison to others in the past? Germany are not well known for conceding many goals, let alone squandering a 4-0 lead, as it was the first time in their history that they did so.

Some may even argue that Germany could match Spain on paper. However, their mentality needs to be questioned, as this game is not the first time they have failed to either show up or lose their discipline. In Euro 2008, Germany failed to turn up against Spain in the final, and in 2010 they failed to show up again against the Spaniards, losing on both occasions to solitary goals. However, while a scoreline may not suggest the whole game’s picture, the fact that Germany never looked like scoring in either of those fixtures is damning evidence. In 2012 in the Euros against Italy, Italy surprised many by reaching the final, but they would’ve predicted a tougher test against Germany. Mario Balotelli scored twice and Ozil scored a consolation but the Germans’ tactics did not come to fruition as Balotelli and Cassano tore Hummels and Badstuber to shreds.

One game may not articulate this accurately, but Lahm is not a suitable captain for Germany. Is he the best player for them? Sure, maybe second to Schweinsteiger, but this team is devoid of leaders, and Low is not to escape without blame as well. When Sweden were on the ascendency, Low only made one change in an attempt to change the game as Gotze came on for Muller. Podolski came on late on, but he would’ve had no effect as he came on in the 88th minute. Germany’s team has a lot of potential, as Reus is looking better by the game, while Hummels, Howedes, Gundogan, Gotze could’ve been options too.

Low looks on in disgust as his team concede four.

Lahm’s captaincy should be under scrutiny, as a captain’s job is to stabilize the ship, and Lahm did nothing of the sort. His team was dragged out of position, and he became as disorganized as they did. Lahm is a great player, but not one to captain a country like Germany.

Germany needs to sort themselves out and quickly. They need to find a leader who is more vocal than Lahm. Jogi Low has done brilliantly with Die Mannschaft, and claims that they will bounce back from this predicament. However, if he does not steer the ship and lead the Germans back, then they may have all the players but will again be nearly-men when it comes to 2014.