World Cup 2018: 5 Coaches That Have Disappointed So Far

#3 Joachim Low (Germany)

Low's tactical setup has been disastrous, to say the least

That Die Mannschaft is still alive in Russia is due to a combination of factors having nothing to do with the manager's great tactics: poor finishing by opponents (especially Mexico), the determination of the players to do well and pure, dumb luck.

The World Cup-winning manager has failed to show any of the savvy tactics that saw him mastermind the title win in Brazil four years ago. Instead, he has managed to put out a team that looks devoid of a clear tactical setup and ideas of how to execute targets.

Against Mexico in their tournament opener, Low's decision to start with a midfield of Sami Khedira and Toni Kroos proved to be disastrous as his opposite number: Carlos Osorio's decision to play a fast-paced midfield caught the Germans pants down and only wastefulness in possession and bad decision-making stopped the Mexicans from winning with a bigger score.

Credit to him, he sought to correct this by playing Sebastian Rudy in place of Khedira against Sweden and, until he got injured, the midfield looked better than it had in the previous games.

However, the continued presence of a very disappointing Thomas Muller is one that defies logic. Jerome Boateng has been ropey all through the tournament, something Low should have noticed and pre-empted.

The Germans have their destiny in their own hands but, with a potential showdown against the Canarinho of Brazil in the next round, Low will have to do better than he has done so far.