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

#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.