Today we will be continuing our series of pieces on who could win the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Today’s focus: Germany.
Die Mannschaft go into this tournament off the back of disappointment in the previous two (exiting in the group stage at Russia 2018 and falling at the Round of 16 against England in the Euros three years later). Meaning that the last time Germany really performed in a tournament was eight years ago at Brazil 2014.
But lots has changed since then. Not only has a new head coach taken the reigns in Hansi Flick (treble winner in his 18 months as Bayern Munich manager) but there has been a major squad overhaul with only five of the 23 who made it to Brazil 2014 also on the plane to Qatar.
So how does this squad stack up then? Well, the goalkeeping trio is as strong as anyone’s with the timeless Manuel Neuer backed up by a resurgent Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Kevin Trapp. Ahead of them Flick can choose from a strong centre-back core which contains the brilliant Antonio Rudiger aswell as capable deputies such as Niklas Sule, Matthias Ginter and Nico Schlotterbeck.
And there is quality sprinkled all the way through the side with the likes of Thomas Muller, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry (are we seeing a pattern here?). Add to this the young superstars, Moukoko (just 17 years of age), Adeyemi and of course the outrageously talented Jamal Musiala and you begin to see just how good this Germany squad is.
The only big blow for Germany is the injury to Timo Werner, much to the shock of Chelsea fans. Werner had become a key cog in Flick’s system, being used to stretch the play and create space for his more creative and clinical teammates. However, Die Mannschaft do have plenty of pacey options who could fulfil this role so they should be able to cope.
Flick’s side face a group featuring Spain (see our article on why they could be tournament winners here), Costa Rica and Japan. And whilst Costa Rica turned up in 2014 and Japan made it out the groups in 2018, Germany should have the quality to top that group. If they do so they would face the second place side from group F (a reasonably favourable draw).
However, if they are to win it they will likely need to beat fellow favourites Brazil and Argentina who, should they top the group as expected, fall on the same side of the bracket as the Germans.
Overall, Flick’s 4-2-3-1 system has the capability to rip any teams to shreds with a metronomic midfield to dictate the play, a sturdy defensive unit and a rip-roaring attacking quartet. Could Die Mannschaft’s tournament woes end in Qatar. We certainly think so.
Check out the rest of our articles on who could win the World Cup in our blog page.
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