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Germany's recent 2-0 defeat to France in the UEFA Nations League has left Julian Nagelsmann and his squad facing a harsh reality check. What was envisioned as a crucial opportunity to build confidence ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers in September has instead morphed into a worrying situation, raising serious questions about Germany's readiness and even their ability to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The loss exposed several key weaknesses within the team, ranging from tactical implementation to finishing opportunities, and has fueled doubts about whether Nagelsmann's managerial style is ideally suited to the unique challenges of international football. The performance against France was a stark contrast to the ambitions and expectations surrounding the German national team, and it underscores the significant work that needs to be done if they are to once again compete at the highest level. One of the most pressing concerns is the disconnect between Nagelsmann's tactical vision and the ability of the players to execute it effectively within the limited timeframe of international breaks. In club football, managers have the luxury of spending countless hours on the training ground, meticulously refining their strategies and ensuring that every player is completely aligned with the game plan. This level of preparation is simply not possible in international football, where players are only available for short periods before returning to their respective clubs. As a result, it is essential for international managers to prioritize clarity and simplicity in their tactical approach, focusing on a core set of principles that can be quickly understood and implemented by the players. Nagelsmann, however, is known for his innovative and adaptable style, constantly tweaking his formations and tactics to exploit the weaknesses of his opponents. While this approach can be highly effective in club football, it can also lead to confusion and uncertainty among the players in an international setting, particularly when the changes are made frequently and without sufficient time for proper integration. The match against France exemplified this issue, with Germany switching between a back three system against Portugal and a 4-4-2 formation against France. Such drastic changes can make it difficult for the players to develop the necessary cohesion and understanding to perform at their best, especially when facing a well-organized and talented opponent like France.
Furthermore, Germany's struggles in front of goal were another major factor in their defeat. Despite creating a number of promising opportunities, particularly in the first half, the German forwards were unable to convert their chances into goals. Florian Wirtz, Nick Woltemade, and Karim Adeyemi all had clear sights of goal but failed to capitalize, either shooting directly at the French goalkeeper, Mike Maignan, or firing wide of the target. This lack of clinical finishing is a recurring problem for Germany, and it highlights the need for greater composure and precision in the final third of the pitch. The inability to convert chances not only cost Germany the opportunity to take the lead but also allowed France to grow in confidence and assert their dominance in the match. In modern football, where games are often decided by fine margins, the ability to convert scoring opportunities is absolutely crucial, and Germany's failure to do so against France ultimately proved to be their undoing. In addition to their finishing woes, Germany also suffered from some unfortunate VAR decisions that went against them. A heroic goal from second-half substitute Deniz Undav was disallowed for offside, and a penalty awarded to Adeyemi in the 33rd minute was overturned after a VAR review. While both decisions were ultimately deemed to be correct, they undoubtedly added to Germany's frustration and contributed to their sense of injustice. VAR has been a controversial topic in football since its introduction, and while it is intended to help referees make more accurate decisions, it can also lead to lengthy delays and contentious debates. In Germany's case, the VAR decisions went against them on this occasion, but it is important to acknowledge that VAR is a tool that is available to all teams, and it is up to the referees to use it fairly and consistently.
The overall performance against France raises serious questions about Germany's prospects for the future. While Nagelsmann is undoubtedly a talented and innovative manager, he may need to adapt his approach to better suit the challenges of international football. This could involve simplifying his tactical instructions, focusing on building a cohesive and well-drilled team, and placing greater emphasis on the fundamentals of the game. In addition, Germany needs to find a way to improve their finishing and become more clinical in front of goal. This could involve working on shooting drills, improving decision-making in the final third, and fostering a greater sense of confidence among the forwards. Finally, Germany needs to learn to cope with the pressures and controversies surrounding VAR and avoid allowing it to distract them from their primary objective. Despite the setback against France, there is still time for Germany to turn things around before the World Cup Qualifiers in September. However, they need to use this time wisely to address their weaknesses, refine their tactics, and build a stronger and more cohesive team. The road ahead will not be easy, but with hard work, determination, and a clear sense of direction, Germany can still achieve their goal of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and competing at the highest level of international football. The loss to France served as a wake-up call, highlighting the areas that need improvement and providing a valuable learning experience for Nagelsmann and his squad. Whether they can rise to the challenge and overcome these obstacles remains to be seen, but the future of German football may well depend on it.
Source: Four Observations from Germany’s 2-0 UEFA Nations League loss to France