I'm very pleased with that first half. A lot of players who aren't used to playing together and we're getting the better of a good Dutch team. Need to start pounding it into the net instead of trying to pass it in, but overall I'm very pleased. Kids are figuring this no striker thing out and I think we'll look even better in the next half. Also gotta bring up Gundogan, passes like that are why he is our natural replacement for Schweini, which makes me feel a lot better about our midfield, as we were really dependent on having a healthy Schweini. Bender's doing well to although I'd like to see a little more from him, still nice to see that we have the replacements for our double pivot as long as Loew is done trying to force Kroos into it.
Ah yes, we should be 4-0 up like the Sweden game right? So basically the Netherlands are horrendous and we're Germany, that's really your argument right? Brilliant analysis.
No bite with Goetze up top. Kid is good as the CAM and very good on the wings but not ideal centrally. With a more natural CF we would be leading atm.
Ilkay needs more playing time. Would love him and a peak Schweini playing together, our midfield would be beastly and incredibly versatile.
That slice from Bender when it was 40-15 at 5-3 was really nice. Also, good net appearences by Holtby, but his serve let him down a few times.
I dunno about that. Both are very static players and neither brings much in terms of physicality. I like pairing one of Scweini/Gundogan with one of Khedira/Benders. Gives you that deep sitting playmaker and a vertical runner.
Considering our "C-team" this was a good first half. Not great but good. We kept Netherlands quite but the one chance for Robben. Could have been way worse. We lack sharpness in around the penalty area, though. Let's see what the team can offer in 2nd half.
The lack of sharpness was expected but we saw Reus, Goetze, Gundogan, Mueller, and Holtby all with chances and that's the point. Open up all outlets and interchange. If we keep up with this and the youngsters learn it, they will adapt. As they mature the goals will come.
yeah... this team need time to mature lol ... been hearing this shit since 2006 fu ck... get me a real striker on top and never play like this ever again
Don't be silly. In 2006 we didn't have these players. What are you on about? It's not their fault the team changed that much. We keep finding better players and rightfully slotting them in. The sooner we find a proper set up and tactical identity the better but let's not pretend this has been going on since 2006 because...it hasn't.