World Cup 2018: 4 reasons why Germany is struggling in Russia

The defending champions of the FIFA World Cup will be playing their third match and they are still not sure whether they will be progressing into the next round of the tournament, despite victory over Sweden.

Germany's fate is not completely in its hands and even if it wins against an already eliminated South Korea, there is a chance that the team might not qualify for the next round.

There is no doubt that Die Mannschaft showed character in the comeback victory over Sweden, but there were aspects of the performance which will trouble coach Joachim Low.

But if they continue to perform the way they have been, they might have to go home early because the tournament progresses they will face much tougher opposition who will be ruthless and will make it extremely difficult for them to make a comeback.

Here are 4 reasons why Germany is struggling at Russia 2018.

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#1 Striker problem

Both players have proved to be ineffective as central strikers

Timo Werner and Mario Gomez were the two strikers Low selected to lead his team's front-line in Russia, and so far both of them have disappointed playing as lone strikers in Germany's preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.

In the first match against Mexico, Werner did not prove to be any threat to the Mexican goal and he looked like a player who was out of ideas. After two games, it is very much clear that a central striking position is not the perfect suit for him.

Against Sweden in the first half, Werner was not impressive and in the second half the manager made a tactical change and shifted him on to the left-hand side and that is when Werner was able to influence the game. Gomez was also brought on in the second half but the Swedish defence was easily able to pocket him.

Since both of their strikers are struggling, the opposition has been able to take full advantage of it, and it is no wonder that Germany has struggled for goals.

#2 Under-performing stars

Germany players have under-performed so far.

Germany is a team filled with superstars in every position and they have a great balance of youth and experience as well but some of their stars haven't been able to show their best form.

In the opening game against Mexico, players like Joshua Kimmich, Mats Hummels, Sami Khedira, Toni Kroos, Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muller, and Julian Draxler all under-performed.

Kimmich often roamed forward and left space open for Lozano who scored the only goal of the match. Whilst Hummels was constantly exposed by the pace of the Mexican strikers. Khedira lacked energy and did not read the game well and Herrera and Guardado constantly broke between the lines.

Toni Kroos also failed to provide the Kroos control he generally gives in the midfield and his misplaced pass against Sweden led to the first goal for the Swedes. Draxler and Ozil were given no space and they failed to produce as a result of it.

These are the players Low relied upon and they did not deliver. Both Khedira and Ozil were even dropped for the game against Sweden. Although the likes of Kimmich and Kroos responded well, but Draxler and Mueller were again poor against Sweden.

These seniors players are expected to show better form, it is around them that Low has formed this team, if they are the ones who are not performing up to the required standard, then who will?

These players need to bring their A game as soon as possible otherwise Germany will continue to struggle and exit sooner than expected.

#3 Inclusions and exclusions

Joachim Low's selection choices has raised many eyebrows

There have been a few surprise omissions from every top team at this World Cup. So many quality players have been left out by their respective national teams. But undoubtedly the decision not to include Leroy Sane raised quite a few eyebrows.

While this was not the only surprising decision Joachim Low had taken, he chose to start Manuel Neuer who was playing his first competitive game in nine months over Marc Andre ter Stegen who has been in phenomenal form for FC Barcelona.

With all due to respect to Neuer he has made some wonderful saves, but for Sweden's first goal Neuer was quick to come off his line even with Rudiger still close to the ball, the ball was then chipped over him. He could not make the correct decision, which is natural because he hasn't played for long.

So far it seems that the decision not to include Sane has backfired for Germany. Die Mannschaft continually pass the ball, but when the opposition presses more aggressively they give away possession.

It is clear that either they need to pass the ball better under pressure or they bring in a dribbler like Sane who can go past players even under pressure. His replacement Julian Brandt has been given very little time to impress.

#4 Midfield and defensive woes

The Germans are struggling in midfield as well as in defense

"Defense wins you titles offense wins you games" - that is a common saying in football, and to a very large extent it is true. But teams who win titles are not only good defensively, but they are good in midfield as well.

For any team to win trophies there needs to be stable in midfield, something which Germany clearly misses. Joachim Low is having a hard time finding someone who can be a good partner for Toni Kross.

Khedira hasn't performed up to the mark while the pairing of Gundagan and Kross does not appear to be very effective. While Goretzka is still untested, it seems unlikely that could work. Rudy and Kross looked good in midfield, but there are still doubts whether the Bayern Munich midfielder will be able to perform consistently in the World Cup.

Their defense has proven to be of little help as well. Mats Hummels has struggled badly while his replacement Rudiger did not impress much when given his chance against Sweden. The only other options are Ginter and Sule who are the last resort for the Die Mannschaft.

It is clear that they have to find their rhythm in the midfield and bring stability at the back without compromising on the result.