Match #11 - Germany v. Japan

In before the lock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Germany have played an Asian nation in the opener of a WC only once before in 2002. An 8-0 win over Saudi Arabia.

Played Turkey (geographically in Asia) in 1954 winning 4-1 and Australia (part of the AFC qualifying campaign) in the 2010 WC winning 4-0.

 

so 4 goals it is

 

Germany better deploy a tall, physical lone striker to win the ball in the air as many times as they can.
That's what Japan has been so vulnerable for long period of time.
If they attempt to play the ball through the pitch, the chances for repeating the 2018 Korea nightmare will only get higher.

As for the Japanese side, they will need to slow down the tempo and avoid tough challenge just outside their own 18.

 

yeahh agreed... please tell our coach

 

Germany main attacker is Timo Werner but unfortunately he's out because of an injury. Flick is not really into this tall- physical - lone striker type.

 

Well Germany is more talented so Flick will somehow come up with his own recipe. Japan has its own history of struggling against legit aerial threat.

 

So as it seems PLAN A for today is

Kehrer-Sule-Rudiger-Raum - with RAUM being more offensive and Kehrer moving into a type 3CD roles.
Goretzka and Kimmich in DM

Musilala as AM (Nice) and Gnabry and Havertz on the wings and Muller as CF.

So my idea is just how can Flick make impactful subs.

1. I guess Schloterbeck can be subbed in to change the Defensive line up
2. Hofmann as new inspiration on the wing.
3. Gundogan to add stability to midfield if needed.
4. Fulkrug as robust attacking options against the smaller Japanese.

Secret weapon Goetze.... ????
mhhhh Sane just completes the picture much better hope he is ready io Sunday

 

Germany will stumble over their own feet.

 

Please at least a goal in this one....

 

Perhaps.

But that picture can't be from Qatar. The colour combination on the rope tying the feet together is banned there.

 

Yes, it is sarcasm from me.

 

That Germany backline doesnt look too strong (aside from Rudiger).

And Sané not starting??

 

This game is going to have a lot of goals!

 

No more light shows? Must be a hefty bill.

 

That's coz its 4pm in Qatar. The lights won't be so evident.

I guess we should see the shows in the next two games.

 

Yup.

 

a goal . . . please!

 

no beer

 

now, let's get one from open play please....

 

pretty awful goalkeeping

 

I'm wondering if that's just to open each stadium... this is the 2nd game at Khalifa Stadium, so maybe it was just a one time thing...

 

That's an in-sane decision... or maybe a sane-out decision...