Initial observations and reactions for Germany’s tight 1-0 victory over the Czech Republic

Well, it was not always pretty, but Germany won a friendly without much of their A-team. Jogi Low put out a lineup that worked and the players looked very good at times and shaky at others. Here are some quick takes on the match:

• Philipp Max showed that this call-up took far too long. Max was a consistent offensive threat and was the best offensive player (to my estimation) from his position at left wing-back.
• Luca Waldschmidt had a very nice goal on a play that started with a Florian Neuhaus shot that was pushed into the path of Max. Max then slide a beautiful pass over Waldschmidt who had a terrific touch past Jiri Pavlenka.
• Pavlenka, by the way, was terrific.
• Florian Neuhaus had himself a solid game and showed flashes of the talent that we’ve read about and seen for Borussia Mönchengladbach. His half-volley attempt late in the second half would have been a highlight reel-worthy goal if not for that pesky crossbar.
• Robin Koch and Antonio Rudiger performed admirably, while Jonathan Tah was okay (at best). It all worked out in the end though, as Kevin Trapp nailed down a clean sheet. Trapp was shaky early, but settled in nicely.

That is it for the B-squad...we are expecting the A-team to take over from here during this international break.

Stay healthy my friends!

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[4:35PM EST]: FULL-TIME — That’s it Germany wins 1-0 over the Czech Republic.

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[4:32PM EST]: 90’ — Is Marcus celebrating on Twitter yet? His guy Jogi is getting a win (if Germany can hold on here).

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[4:30PM EST]: 86’ — This game goes in spurts for each team. Right now the Czechs have the momentum. And you know what I need right now? One of these:

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[4:25PM EST]: 81’ — The Czechs just had their best chance of the game pushed away by Trapp. There is still time for the Czechs to get another good attempt, but that header was about a good a chance as Germany has given up in this game.

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[4:20PM EST]: 76’ — WOW! Neuhaus was inches away from a golazo, but it hit the intersection of the post and crossbar. It was a wonderful half-volley attempt. Neuhaus has been pretty good at times today. He is among the only Germans who has consistently been involved in the attack.

And here comes another Czech sub.

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[4:15PM EST]: 71’ — Germany had another chance for a break, but Waldschmidt couldn’t handle the pass as it clanged off of his heel.

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[4:10PM EST]: 67’ — Whoa...Jogi dusted off Nico Schulz to sub in for Philipp Max, who I thought was really, really good. Somewhere Lucien Favre is cringing seeing Schulz back on the pitch.

It’s still 1-0 by the way.

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[4:07PM EST]: 64’ — Dahoud’s heavy pass just killed off what should have been a great opportunity for Brandt.

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[4:02PM EST]: 57’ — The Czechs have definitely picked up their pace a bit, but it’s been back-and-forth. Germany is moving well at times offensively, but it has not been as fluid as you would like to see. For a group that is largely playing together for the first time, it has not been a bad effort. One of the key issues is clearly communication and “feel” for each other.

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[3:50PM EST]: 46’— Former Philadelphia Union player Borek Dockal ripped off a shot but Trapp was up to the task.

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[3:48PM EST]: 46’ — Mahmoud Dahoud checks in for Ilkay Gundogan. The Czechs made a plethora of changes as well. We are underway!

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[3:32PM EST]: Halftime — Pavlenka had a great half that was complimented by some awful finishing from Germany. Still, Die Mannschaft leads 1-0 on a goal from Luca Waldschmidt. Philipp Max and Florian Neuhaus has played very well. Max has been a difference maker.

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[3:27PM EST] 42’: — Pavlenka just stopped Amiri twice in roughly 10 seconds. Amiri should have scored on both attempts...terrible, terrible finishing from Germany at times in this half.

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[3:17PM EST] 31’: — Julian Brandt just missed a wide-open net by a MILE after a terrible Czech turnover. This was one of the worst misses of the year...no exaggeration needed.

Should probably also note that Jonas Hoffman left the game with an injury and was replaced by Nadiem Amiri.

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[3:13PM EST]: 28’ — Baku tested Pavlenka, but the veteran goalkeeper was up to the task. So far so good for Germany. They look...dangerous (!?)...at times.

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[3:10PM EST]: 24’ — Admittedly, Philipp Max has his faults (mostly defensive), but he is at least bringing a threat to the lineup. He is playing the role of point guard from left wing-back impressively. The ESPN announcer keeps referring to his blonde hair, too, which is kinda odd.

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[3:07PM EST]: 21’ — At a minimum, Germany looks fresh and active. I am liking what I am seeing from Max so far and Trapp just bailed out Baku after a terrible decision.

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[3:00PM EST]: 13’ — GOAL! Lucas Waldschmidt scored on a deft, little touch past Jiri Pavlenka after Philipp Max fed him a beautiful pass. The play started after Pavlenka pushed aside a shot from Neuhaus. It was a really nice team goal from Germany. Shocking really...

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[2:57PM EST]: Robin Koch blocked what would have been a good opportunity for the Czechs.

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[2:55PM EST]: Max has been on the ball a decent amount so far. He’s got to do better getting his crosses in, though. Brandt has been a bit sloppy. I’d love to see more dynamic action in the box for Germany. They are — at least — trying to attack.

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[2:50PM EST]: I have often wanted to see how Philipp Max would do with Germany and I guess I’ll know after this.

Kevin Trapp’s indecision could have been costly, but Germany survives.

And make sure you are following our Twitter account as well @BavarianFBWorks. Marcus is working his magic over there today because Tom is a slacker (just kidding).

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[2:45PM EST]: Kick-off! Germany’s Julian Brandt’s hair was the star of the pregame festivities! It is eminently tussle-able! (Not sure if that is a word)

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[2:40PM EST]: Since none of you are hyped for this...I’m going to throw some Thunderstruck by AC/DC at you! If this doesn’t get you revved up, nothing will!

THUNDER...AH, AH, AH, AH!!!!!!

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[2:10PM EST]: So with this being a friendly...are you intrigued by the new look lineup or would you rather shoot this game into the sun?

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[1:59PM EST]: With Florian Neuhaus getting the start today for Germany, it might be a good time to read up on him (shameless plug) and those rumors that link him to Bayern Munich.

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[1:45PM EST] Oh hey, it’s me Chuck and I’ll be your host for this barnburner.

The line-up is out. It looks like Jogi Low will go with a 3-4-3:

This is how @iMiaSanMia projects the formation:

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Oh no, it’s the international break. What manner of cruel new tortures will Joachim Low inflict upon us this time? Well, the only good news is that no Bayern Munich players will play this game, so if you live anywhere outside of Europe you can probably skip this one. Honestly, if you live anywhere in this reality, then you should probably skip this one — Jogi’s Germany isn’t worth watching at the moment. Just take a nap or something. Or wear a blindfold like Thomas Muller in the picture above.

Don’t watch this game. Do yourself a favor.

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Match Info

Location: Red Bull Arena, Leipzig, Germany

Time: 8:45 pm local time, 2:45 pm EST

TV/streaming: ESPN+, Find Your Country

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