Germany football team eliminated from the Tokyo Olympics

The Bayern Munich player-less German football team has been eliminated from the Tokyo 2020 olympics after a 1-1 draw vs the Ivory Coast. After losing their first game vs Brazil, the Germans came into their match vs Ivory Coast needing a win to progress to the knockout stages. However, in the game, Germany went down to a Benjamin Heinrichs own goal. The side equalised a few minutes later, courtesy of a delightful free kick, yet, it was too little too late for the German team.

In truth, this German side has been disappointing, lethargic and a shadow of its 2016 silver medalling self. The side’s over 23 veterans often failed to perform, Max Arnold even getting sent off in the first match...Furthermore, the free flowing and expansive play that defined coach Stefan Kuntz’ under 21 Euros triumph earlier this summer, was completely absent. It was simply a German side limited in ideas and devoid of creativity.

Ultimately, the team wouldn’t have made it far even if they advanced. A wide open defence, which let past three goals and a penalty in just one half vs Brazil and also let in two vs Saudi Arabia was never going to sustain a medal challenge.