Euro 2020 Qualifiers, Germany 2-4 Netherlands: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis

#2 Ronald Koeman’s substitutions trump Joachim Low’s changes

Koeman outfoxed his opposite number

Germany and Netherlands played out a cagey first half with the hosts enjoying a slender lead at the break. The away side came raced off the blocks in the second period and immediately applied pressure. In consonance of that mind-set, Ronald Koeman rang in the changes and brought on midfielder, Davy Propper and forward, Donyell Malen.

The substitutions meant that Netherlands now had another forward to run off Memphis Depay and the above posed an entirely new set of questions to Germany’s defence.

Also, it allowed the visitors to shuttle between a back three and a back four, with them switching to the former when they had the ball while they used the latter when deprived of possession.

The tactic enabled Babel and Qunicy Promes to hug the touchline and the former Fulham forward created the first goal through that avenue.

Germany, who were being outplayed in the middle third, courtesy Netherlands’ extra central midfielder, replied by introducing Ilkay Gundogan and Kai Havertz.

However, the changes by Low rid the Germans of their counter-attacking verve and it ultimately played into the visitors’ hands.

Thereafter, Koeman’s men dominated the ball and created quite a few openings. Inevitably, after weaving so many pretty patterns, they stitched together an end product to completely deflate the home side.

After Malen had given them a 3-2 lead, the Dutch manager decided to shut up shop and fielded Nathan Ake for Babel. The said move helped Netherlands defend as a back five and it also allowed Depay to roam into the wider channels.

The former Manchester United former perfectly teed up Wijnaldum from that position to put the result beyond doubt.

Through the course of their careers, both Koeman and Low have distinguished themselves by portraying a shrewd understanding of the game.

Yet, on the night, Koeman flummoxed his German counterpart and that set Netherlands on their way to victory.