Sven Ulreich would have been a better third goalie than Kevin Trapp

In what may have been Joachim Löw’s most curious roster decision coming into this international break, the Die Mannschaft mastermind opted to include Kevin Trapp, a seldom-used reserve for Paris Saint-Germaine, over keepers like Bayern Munich’s Sven Ulreich, FC Köln’s Timo Horn or even Schalke’s Ralf Fährmann, who have all enjoyed consistent and regular minutes with their respective clubs. Löw even chose to use Trapp over Bayer Leverkusen's Bernd Leno, who was also rostered. Regardless, Trapp was terrible. From questionable decision-making to poor clearances to just overall lackluster play, Trapp was rusty and looked like he lacked confidence.

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The defense was shaky

For the second consecutive game, the German defense was at fault for a goal—only this time, it cost them the game. Even with Trapp’s troubling play, the failure of Jerome Boateng and Joshua Kimmich to effectively mark in the box ultimately led to Brazil’s goal. Against Spain, it was Mats Hummels who reacted too late to run in the box to prevent a score. There is no reason to overreact as of yet, but this unit is worth keeping an eye on. Bayern man Niklas Süle, however, was just about the lone bright spot (albeit in limited time) on the back line.

Toni Kroos and Leon Goretzka showed up to play

Kroos was likely Germany’s most effective player on the pitch, while Goretzka showed some excellent flashes of his ability. After those two, however, it is tough to say that many Germans were at the top of their respective games. Namely, Leroy Sané and Julian Draxler were ineffective, which was disappointing because it seems that Löw expects them to be contributors this summer. What the last two games did show, whoever, is that—if healthy (GARGANTUAN IF)—Marco Reus’ play-making ability and skill is absolutely needed on this team. In addition, the squad needs Thomas Müller around as its glue. The Bavarian is the most important player on the team.

The strikers need to be better

Mario Gomez may have undergone a resurgence with VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga, but he was a non-factor and looked flustered at times during his game action. Sandro Wagner was better than Gomez for sure, but he still did not make the impact he was hoping to make to set himself apart from the pack. Of the three strikers on the roster, Timo Werner looked the most capable.

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