Germany 1-4 Japan: Initial reactions and observations

Initial reactions and observations

• This is it for Hansi Flick, it actually can’t get much worse than this. The lineup was more or less okay, but the actual quality of play on the pitch ... it’s actually hard to describe.
• Nico Schlotterbeck had one of the worst games by any German fullback in the last 5 years, and he wasn’t even on the pitch when the collapse happened. Says it all really.
• Subbing on Thomas Muller at the end was totally pointless, he was not going to be Germany’s savior in a setup like this.
• Ter Stegen will rue the conceded goals, but he actually kept Japan from making it four or five on the night.
• The stadium relentlessly booed the Germans for the entire duration of the second half. It seems like the match going public is completely fed up. It’s time for the DFB to act.

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Looking for more Germany analysis? The Japan game may spell the end for Hansi Flick, but how much blame do the players deserve? We talk about that and so much more in our latest podcast episode! Listen to it below or on Spotify.

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Full time: Germany 1-4 Japan.

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90’+2’ — Goal. It’s 4-1 now. Forget about it.

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89’ — Goal. Asano makes it 3-1. It’s over.

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70’ — Sub: Brandt and Muller are on the pitch!

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60’— The stadium has resorted to booing the team while they pass the ball. It’s that bad.

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45’ — The second half is underway!

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Halftime: Germany 1-2 Japan. Yeah.

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22’ — Goal. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? IT’S 2-1 courtesy of Ayase. The left side of the defense is a disaster.

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19’ — GOOOOOAL! Leroy Sane makes it 1-1! Phew.

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11’ — Goal. And Germany are already 1-0 down.

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Kickoff: We’re underway!

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One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! It’s the exact XI we expected, with no real changes. Hansi Flick needs this to work if he wants to stay in charge of Germany until the Euros. Let’s see how it goes for him.

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It’s now do or die for Germany. This game against Japan isn’t just a friendly game, it’s a last chance for this version of the German national team. If the players don’t turn it around now, Hansi Flick and his coaching staff will not make it to the Euros next summer.

Right now, the idea is to put Joshua Kimmich at right-back and have Kai Havertz at striker and hope things work out elsewhere on the pitch. Ilkay Gundogan is the new captain of the team and he’s likely to pair with Emre Can in midfield. It’s a lineup that will have players from Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, Real Madrid, and other top teams across Europe.

If the results don’t come now, things become very difficult for Hansi Flick. Can he save his job?

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While you’re waiting for the game, why not check out our Weekend Warm-up Podcast! Listen to it below or direct on Spotify.

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Match Info

Location: Volkswagen Arena, Wolfsburg, Germany

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

TV/streaming: Fox Sports 2, Find Your Country

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