Germany 1-2 Japan: Initial reactions and observations from a total disaster

Initial reactions and observations

Honestly, the result is a shock, but it’s not a surprise. Germany had the upper hand for vast swathes of the game but the defense was just terrible and a ticking time bomb which couldn’t hold on.

Interested in a proper in-depth (and miserable) review of the game and what went wrong? Then why not check out our postgame podcast? We talk about Flick’s selections, underperforming players, tactical issues, and more! Listen to it below or on Spotify.

As always, we appreciate all the support!

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Full time: Germany lose 2-1 to Japan.

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83’ — Goal. Germany have been so bad. Asano makes it 2-1.

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75’ — Goal. Japan equalizes through Ritsu Doan.

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73’ — NEUER SAVES! That was almost a catastrophe by Germany.

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70’ — Shot after shot by Gnabry, but the keeper saves it all.

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66’ — Subs: Leon Goretzka and Jonas Hofmann on for Thomas Muller and Ilkay Gundogan.

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55’ — Yeah Germany are really not doing anything of note.

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45’ — The second half kicks off!

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Halftime observations and analysis

• Germany have been dominant in possession, but refuse to shoot from the right locations. Too much passing is killing the attack.
• Jamal Musiala has not been involved enough yet, Japan have done a lot to neutralize him.
• Thomas Muller has been active, but a bit off.

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Halftime: Germany lead 1-0.

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45’ + 4’ — Kai Havertz taps it in, but it was offside.

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32’ — GOOOOOOOAL! David Raum was brought down in the box leading to a penalty. Gundogan converts from the spot!

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27’ — It ain’t looking good you guys. Germany have no penetration.

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7’ — Germany have a disaster averted by the offside flag. Awful start.

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Kickoff: We’re underway!

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One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! Hansi Flick fields Germany in a 4-2-3-1 with Thomas Muller returning to the lineup. Kai Havertz starts up top and Jamal Musiala and Serge Gnabry are on the wings! Leon Goretzka has been left out in favor of Ilkay Gundogan. No Niclas Fullkrug is a bit of a surprise, to be honest.

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It’s finally here. Hansi Flick has no excuses now — if his new Germany side cannot perform against Japan on the biggest stage, then what was the point of hiring him? The Bayern Munich contingent may be slightly reduced now after Leroy Sane’s untimely injury, but this team is still stacked.

With an attack boasting the likes of Thomas Muller, Jamal Musiala, and Serge Gnabry, a midfield consisting of Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich, and a defense with ... um, er ... let’s not talk about the defense — Germany have all the tools needed to go far in this World Cup. It would hardly do to stumble at the very first step.

Time for the Germans to show what they’ve got.

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While you’re waiting for the game, why not check out the latest episode of our podcast? It might either be VERY relevant or age terribly. Listen to it below or on Spotify.

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Match Info

Location: Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Qatar

Time: 4:00 pm local time, 8:00 am EST

TV/streaming: Fox Sports, Find Your Country

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