World Cup 2018: 5 Things Germany Could Have Done Differently to Escape Humiliation

#4 Played with a ‘Target Man’

Timo Werner

Timo Werner started as the striker in all of Germany’s games. His main attributes are his speed and his ability to get in behind the defence. However, all of Germany’s opponents were content to sit deep and not provide the space in behind for Werner to exploit. It is in these situations where you need your striker to be good at holding up play and bringing the others into the game. Werner could not shoulder this responsibility and this led to Germany’s attack looking toothless most of the time.

More often than not, Mario Gomez was introduced to provide the attack with a focal point. Mario Gomez is not the player he was a few years ago and has lost whatever pace he had. Therefore, it was surprising when he made the squad.

An alternative that Germany could have explored is Sandro Wagner. Wagner has enjoyed a decent run at Bayern Munich as a back-up to Lewandowski. Even for Bayern, he plays the ‘super sub’ role to perfection. He provides another avenue while attacking and gives the defence something to think about. With the amount of crosses that Germany were inclined to play, a better header of the ball was required. Wagner ticks all these boxes.

Low should have taken Wagner to Russia and it would have helped them break down the resolute Koreans and Mexicans. There is nothing that can be done to salvage their Russian adventure, but moving forward, this is something the German think-tank can ponder upon.