Germany are back to winning ways. That post-2014 world cup spirit of grabbing the win anyhow is certainly welcome in the new era.
The Germans are rebuilding following last year’s disastrous world cup defence and limp UEFA Nation’s League campaign; culminating in Joachim Low forcing early retirements on Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels and Thomas Muller.
The New-look German side have come away from this month’s international break with encouraging performances. A 1-1 friendly draw with Serbia followed a 3-2 away win over their Dutch rivals, their first there since 1996. They got some form of revenge for the 3-nil thrashing last October, and the late winning goal was Déjà vu for the dutch contingent who were the ones celebrating a late equalizer in November.
 |
| Celebrating Leon Goretzka’s equalizer against Serbia. Image: Bongarts-Getty Images |
Joachim Low opted for a fluid attacking formation that utilized the speed and skill of Leroy Sané and Serge Gnabry against Virgil Van Dijk and Matthijs de Ligt. Gnabry’s goal was a gem and the way he got away from Van Dijk was incredible. Although some defensive steel is lacking -epitomised by Thilo Kehrer’s disastrous showing at full back- the Dutch pulled back in the second period. Die Mannschaft also have Manuel Neuer to thank for some excellent saves in the match.
Against a side that’s creating something special in Europe with their own current crop of youngsters; Germany were impressive and looked ready to challenge, killing Holland’s fight back at the death. There’s much work ahead and the jury is still out on Low for me, Germany are on the right track. It remains to be seen whether they only needed fresh talents in the squad or fresh ideas at the helm too.
 |
| Serge Gnabry. Image: Dean Mouhtaropoulos-Getty Images |
Alongside The Netherlands, England, and Italy; Germany’s new-look young side have laid the foundations of a new era, and they need to hit a run of consistency for it to truly resonate around the world.
For my country, it was about taking a more relaxed observation of proceedings against the Seychelles having already qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations. A luxury we haven’t enjoyed for that tournament in a while and something which shouldn’t be taken for granted!
