World Cup 2018: 5 Reasons Why Germany Won't Defend Their Title

"Football is a simple game. Twenty-two men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans always win." - Gary Lineker

Gary Lineker's famous quote is equally funny as it is true. Defending World Cup champions Germany have been one of the most successful national teams in the history of the sport and, while some nations are happy to win just one major tournament, the Germans have won seven in the past 64 years.

Four years ago, Philipp Lahm became the latest German captain to have the honour of stemming the World Cup trophy into the night sky of Rio de Janeiro, cementing his place among Germany's football greats.

Subsequently, it's unsurprising that Die Mannschaft is once more among the top favourites to retain their trophy in Russia. However, unlike before, the Germans will be facing plenty of new challenges at the WC 2018, as we take a look at five reasons why Germany won't defend their title.

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#5 Lack of leadership

Germany's 2014 team needed all of its experience to go all the way

Considering Germany's squad has more depth and talent than ever, it may seem a bit bold to say that their chances of winning the tournament are worse than four years ago.

However, while the Germans have gained a lot of quality in some positions, you simply can't ignore the huge amount of experience they have lost since winning in Brazil. Admittedly, players like Timo Werner, Joshua Kimmich and also Niklas Süle will likely be the framework of the German team for years to come, but they aren't at the level of their predecessors, yet.

With Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Miroslav Klose, Germany have not just lost three of their greatest players in recent history, but also the emotional leaders that are so important at the core of the team. This time around, it will be up to Thomas Müller, Jerome Boateng, and Manuel Neuer to lead the team through tough periods.

All three of them have leadership qualities. But in a rejuvenated side, the Bayern players will have to step up to the plate more than ever in their national team careers.

While they were great supporters of the aforementioned leaders in 2014, they will now be the ones having to lead from the front.

#4 Off-field issues

Özil's and Gündogan's meeting with Turkish President Erdogan is subject to a lot of criticism

A point that is very unusual for Germany to deal with in the build-up to a big tournament. The players selected to represent Die Mannschaft are generally supported not only by the public but also by their national media.

However, Mesut Özil's and Ilkay Gündogan's meeting with Turkish President Erdogan has sparked a controversy that could have a negative impact on the team. The German fans even went as far as booing Gündogan in their last friendly against Saudi Arabia.

Additionally, the surprise omission of Leroy Sane from the World Cup squad has caused a major stir, not just in Germany but across the globe. Should Germany struggle to get an attacking flow going, Löw could be in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

The way the team is currently dealing with the issues shows how little Germany have had to deal with such problems prior to a World Cup in the past. Many players and coaches of the team are asked about their stance on the topic, with seemingly everything they say being turned against them.

It will be interesting to see, whether the reigning champions will be able to put this behind them and demonstrate their unique team spirit in Russia. After all, Germany's greatest strength has always been their ability to stand united - on and off the field.

#3 Vengeful Brazil

Brazil were dismantled by the Germans on their home turf in 2014

It's safe to say that nobody has forgotten about Germany's massive 7-1 victory over an out of sorts Brazil side four years ago in the semi-finals. While this huge win paved their way to the title back then, it could come back to haunt them in Russia.

Should the Brazilians have the pleasure of facing off with the Germans again, they will do everything in their power to get one back at their rivals. A scoreline of the same extent as 2014 may be highly improbable, but knocking out the champions would at least be the first step towards mending their wounds.

The Selecão is, as always, one of the favourites to go all the way this year and their team has improved since the debacle in 2014 - especially since Tite took over as the coach.

With the added possibility of Neymar, who is the undisputed emotional leader of the side, being available this time around, the writing could be on the wall for Joachim Löw's side.

#2 Injury problems

Jerome Boateng is one of many Germans who 'recovered' just in time for the World Cup

Joachim Löw had more big decisions to make than he hoped for prior to selecting his 23-man squad for the World Cup. The manager didn't just have to judge the quality of several players, but also their fitness, ahead of making the cut.

While the protagonists themselves will claim that they have fully recovered from their injuries, the amount of players returning just in time to board the plane to Russia is insane. Therefore, it's certainly possible that this could come back to haunt the champions in the long run.

Neuer, Boateng, and Özil all closed out the season with injuries, whereas Marco Reus only returned from his torn cruciate ligament in February. Germany's strength in depth may be better than ever but, unfortunately for the champions, they might also have to depend on having it.

Some injuries can surely be compensated due to the highly talented backup players available. However, should Neuer or Boateng suffer from an injury setback, the aforementioned lack of leadership in the squad will become even more apparent.

#1 Strong competition

France and Spain are just two of several teams who could all the way in Russia

The 2018 World Cup will be one of the most wide-open tournaments we have had in recent memory. The sheer amount of talented squads is incredible and, once the knockout stage is underway, anyone can beat anyone.

Germany certainly belong to the group of top favourites to win the tournament, but they are joined by a ridiculously talented French side, along with the reinvigorated Spanish team and the aforementioned Brazil squad.

What is going to be more dangerous than ever is the strength of the 'dark horses' though, as Argentina, Belgium, Colombia, England, and Portugal are just a handful of teams that will look to stamp their authority on the competition.

Germany, provided they finish first in an otherwise well-balanced Group F, will presumably have an awkward Round of 16 tie with either their neighbours from Switzerland or a very talented Serbian team.

That tie will only spell the beginning of an incredible stacked tournament in which they, as the defending champions, are the team everyone wants to beat.

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