How have Germany changed since their World Cup disaster?
Published:
Plenty to discuss over Low’s new squad
As they prepare for their UEFA Nations League opener versus France tonight, there’s plenty of attention as to how Germany will look following their World Cup nadir.
The 2014 world champions lost their opening group game to Mexico, required a last-gasp free-kick to defeat Sweden, before crashing out in a 2-0 defeat to South Korea.
There was plenty of fall-out in the aftermath. Joachim Low has stayed on but Mesut Ozil’s international career appears over.
Die Mannschaft are 7/5 favourites to beat the reigning World Cup champions in Munich this evening, in what will be their first match since that infamous loss to the South Koreans in June.
The Coral News Team look at what changes Low and Germany have made…
Sane is back – but for how long?
The big news about Germany’s World Cup squad was the omission of Leroy Sane. The Manchester City winger had enjoyed a fine campaign with the citizens, so his absence surprised many.
And Germany’s inability to break down their group stage opponents only highlighted Low’s decision to omit Sane even more.
The 22-year-old is in the squad this time around. But his return has apparently upset some of his team-mates, with Toni Kroos publicly questioning Sane’s attitude. Is the Man City ace a polarising figure?
Game over for Khedira?
Sami Khedira was one of many players strongly criticised for Germany’s World Cup exit. He started in both the defeats to Mexico and South Korea.
The Juventus midfielder hasn’t been included in the latest squad. Khedira has stated he still wants to play for the international side, while Low says his Germany career isn’t over. But do actions speak louder than words?
New kids on the block
Germany’s latest squad is an indication of a changing of the guard. Khedira is out and three highly-rated players have been included for the first time.
Among them is 19-year-old star Kai Havertz. The midfielder has been talked of as a new Ozil, and has skippered the U19 side. Has already made more than 50 Bundesliga appearances and look set for his international bow.
Thilo Kehrer is also in the squad. The 21-year-old has been one to watch in the Bundesliga thanks to a number of starring performances for Schalke.
The defender’s displays were enough to see Paris Saint-Germain sign him on a £37m deal this summer.
Hoffenheim midfielder offeHoffenNico Schulz is in the squad too.
The 25-year-old hasn’t been in international contention in recent years, but his inclusion now is a clear indicator that Low is looking at alternative options to his tried and trusted men in the wake of Germany’s Russian disaster.
Germany v France odds
On home soil, Low’s men are the 7/5 favourites to collect a morale-boosting win tonight. There’s 2/1 about Didier Deschamps’ side, with 9/4 on the draw.
Timo Werner is 9/2 favourite to score first, and 17/10 anytime. But the French squad is packed with the attacking talent which proved so unbeatable in Russia.
Antoine Griezmann is 11/2 to bag the opener, as is PSG wonderkid Kylian Mbappe.
Click here for the latest Germany v France odds.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
