Die Mannschaft vs. Brazil: Match Analysis
It was an uneventful performance for Germany in its 1-0 loss to Brazil, but it was also not thoroughly unexpected. Joachim Löw may have his hands full trying to sort our how to best use the arsenal of weapons he has on his roster.
Take 1: Kevin Trapp probably booked his ticket for a summer in Germany or France rather than in Russia.
Trapp was shaky and sloppy against Brazil. His failed clearances, indecision, and just overall poor play provided more than enough evidence that there has to be a better option behind Manuel Neuer, Mar-Andre Ter Stegen, and Bernd Leno. Bayern Munich's Sven Ulreich may have fared a little better and would have certainly not been as rusty as Trapp, who has spent most of the season riding pine at Paris Saint-Germaine.
Take 2: The defense rests....too much...like, they are lethargic.
The international friendlies during this break revealed some inconsistent play by the German defense. Whether it was an uncharacteristic mental lapse by Mats Hummels against Spain or missed marking by Jerome Boateng against Brazil, it was not a banner effort for the Die Mannschaft defenders. Antonio Rudiger was inconsistent (at best) as well. Quite frankly, Niklas Süle looked the best of any center back. The outside backs were not much better either. Just not what one would expect from a normally disciplined German unit.
Take 3: Die Mannschaft missed Thomas Müller.
Sure it was only a friendly, but without Müller Germany looked flat at times and out of sync offensively. If not for some stellar play by Leon Goretzka and Toni Kroos, there were many disappointments. Leroy Sané failed to really establish himself as a threat. No striker score a goal in either game; with Mario Gomez looking the most ineffective. Julian Draxler failed to build on an excellent performance against Spain. Muller is a leader emotionally and with his play. We are pretty sure Germany would have been more sharp with him in the lineup.
Take 4: It just needs to be better everywhere.
While the talent did not achieve the desired results, it's far from a doomsday scenario. That said, it needs to be better. The defending needs to be more sharp and physical, the passing needs to be more crisp, and the finishing must improve.
