It was easy to trust – and even fear – Germany getting far in a World Cup. But not anymore.
They’re back in the group stage just like they were four years ago.
After never having been so early in the tournament, humiliation after humiliation. Only eight years after winning the fourth world title.
An evening of drama and agony featured simultaneous group games, with the focus shifting between Al-Bayt stadiums in Qatar and Khalifa.
Spain had offered Germany a favor, but Germany lost to Japan in the 2010 world championships. However, Germany still won.
Spain was also heading out at one point, while Germany lost to Costa Rica.
Luis Enrique, Spain manager, said that if he had known, he would have suffered a heart attack.
However, a German victory to win 4-2 was not enough to make it to the last 16
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Germany later watched inconclusive replays to see if the ball was thrown before Japan’s winner. This made it even more painful.
It was Germany’s defeat to Japan and its draw with Spain that eventually brought down Germany.
Thomas Muller, a veteran forward, said that “We haven’t been able live up to expectations in recent years at the tournaments because as a group, I would say that we don’t have specialists running around everywhere.”
Managers can’t change the outcome.
Joachim Loew was the 2014 World Cup winner. He oversaw the group stage exit at Russia 2018, followed by a loss to England at Euro 2020 in the last 16. Hansi Flick then took control.
His suitability for this job will be scrutinized as Germany hosts Euro 2024.
Flick stated that it was difficult to discuss the matter right after an elimination. We now need to evaluate our World Cup performance and move in a new direction. This is the next step we will take and it will be done very soon.
Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands could all be in the spotlight for heavyweights.
FIFA has ranked Belgium as the best team in the world for four consecutive years.
They proved in Qatar that a trophy was never won.
After opening with a win against Canada, the parting shot ended in a 0-0 draw with Croatia. However, it was marred by losing to Morocco.
Roberto Martinez, Manager said that he believed that if we lost a game, we would be out. That’s what cost him.
The Golden Generation of Belgium, who came in third place in 2018, is now ageing. A complete overhaul is required, just like in Germany.
These are the questions of the future.
Even after the Gulf football game, the recriminations will continue.
