BASIL SYLVESTER PINTO
PANAJI
The ill-fated curse of the defending champions bowing out of competition at the Group Stage itself found its cruel design at the FIFA World Cup 2018 Russia. Germany rode their luck with a last-gasp superlative Toni Kroos strike to stay on the brink with a 2-1 win over Sweden in their second game. But fortune could not last much farther. Come next game, on Wednesday, they sank to a humiliating 0-2 reverse in stoppage time to rising Asian side, Republic of Korea in Kazan.
Internet jokes and memes have crucified the Die Mannschaft for a possible fall in their regime as a football superpower. The jibe even went to the extent that Russia has been unsuccessful to the Germans even at the World Wars. But on a more serious note, statistics would incline to the belief that their preparedness was far from ideal and given to a title defense of the most qualitative football tournament, surprises could be in store.
What clearly was indicative in the match that saw them crash out of competition was the fluidity within their system could not keep up with the pace dictated by their unfancied opposition. Their man-ship given to their Die Mannschaft literally translated identity was caught on two left feet more often than not against the Koreans, which compounded their misery
towards peril.
The Goan caught up with aggrieved German supporters to find their reaction on the early exit of the defending champions from the World Cup.
“The only reason I feel Germany are exiting the World Cup is because of lack of quality strikers. They were spoonfed such amasing ball deliveries by the always amazing and stunning German midfield but they failed to convert,” lamented Vernon Pires. “Football can be a cruel game sometimes. Let us just hope they come strong in future major tournaments,” the Margao-based dentistry student added.
Savio Gracias, agreeing with Pires, felt the holders came well short upfront while they played well below their credentials. “It was not the hungry German team this time around as we have always seen before,” Gracias bemoaned.
“They lacked the striker they needed to net the opportunities that they got. They had very good ball possession in all the matches but could not make it beyond the goalkeeper. It looked as if all the goalkeepers had a good day when they faced Germany,” the Rachol-based engineer stated.
For Duncan Rodrigues, a die-hard supporter of Germany since 2006, their mediocre performance at the tournament was not least surprising.
“It was not a shock to see Germany exiting the World Cup this early on. They showed no passion that was shown in 2014 and yes the team definitely missed leaders like Lahm and Klose to guide the team like in the previous edition of the World Cup,” conceded the London-based Rodrigues.
“Being four-time champions and defending champions definitely put a lot of pressure on Germany. Anything can happen in football. This was not their year because with whatever little that we tried did not pay off,”
he added.
He also was disappointed with the selection of the squad which he felt played its part in the debacle. “Leroy Sane and his style of play was missed immensely as the team lacked the pace needed on the wings,” Rodrigues stated, pointing out that the Manchester City star -- who was left out of the final squad by coach Joaquim Loew -- had an amazing season.
