Quick observations from Germany’s 4-2 Olympic loss vs Brazil

A Germany side without a single Bayern Munich player — a rarity for the country — lost their opening match of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics vs Brazil 4-1. Here are some short observations from the game:

• Complete domination by Brazil in the first half. The Brazilians turned on their Samba flair with an inspired first half performance in which the Dani Alves captained team annihilated Germany. There were shades that a like for like revenge from a certain 7-1 game could be achieved.
• Richarlison magnificent. The Everton striker was superb and scored a hat trick. Top level display from him.
• Germany were lucky to not lose given the large volume of chances conceded. Florian Muller pulled off a decent display — despite letting in 4 goals, with a good penalty save and several other goal line scrambles, it could have easily been 3 or 4 more.
• Maximillian Arnold dreadful for Germany. Even before he got sent off, the German skipper was lazy in passing and immobile defensively. A truly horrendous display.
• Spare a thought for Amos Pieper. The defender was outmatched throughout his time on the pitch — unable to deal with Brazil’s tricky attackers. Peiper will be having nightmares of this performance.
• Nadiem Amiri was a bright spot for Germany. The winger scored a decent outside of the box goal and was a general threat with his superb agility and high technical ability.
• Germany were continuously caught on the counter attack. Whether that is to do with their goal deficit or not, Germany were time and time again caught on the break. It reminded me of the worst of Hansi Flick’s Bayern, with just every few minutes, another goalscoring opportunity coming Brazil’s way due to weak counter pressing and a foolish high defensive line.
• Overall, a better second half than first half for Germany. While they did start the game poorly, their second half was actually quite good. Playing with 10 men for a long period, the German’s would have won the second half 2-0, if not for having to all out attack in hopes for another opportunity near the end of the game. A much better showing in the second half with braver play and a tighter backline.
• A fiesty German side. With 5 separate players picking up yellows for Germany, the match looked more like a Copa America final than a first round Olympics game. Challenges, trips, dives and pushes were routine.