Germany’s new-look attack a work in progress after Japan shock, Germany needs to work on getting their revamped World Cup attack to gel after Kai Havertz and teenager Jamal Musiala missed opportunities on Wednesday, which allowed Japan to pull off an incredible 2-1 victory. Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City’s first-half penalty gave the Germans the advantage for the majority of the game, but when Chelsea forward Havertz and strike partner Musiala were needed to end the match, they fell short.
Germany’s new-look attack a work in progress after Japan shock
As a result, Japan was able to come back and defeat the four-time World Cup champions with two late goals from Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano, who both play in the German Bundesliga. “It leaves me utterly disappointed. We had a ton of possession, and we earned the advantage “Hansi Flick, Germany’s coach, said. Then, “we had a lot of opportunities that we didn’t take advantage of… we can’t have these kinds of individual mistakes.”
Named in Flick’s starting lineup, Bayern Munich forward Musiala, 19, made an uncharacteristically nervous start to the match. In the early stages, he resembled something he has not so far in his short career — a teenager playing with men. After just four minutes in the Khalifa International Stadium, Musiala failed to control a pass in his own half, losing possession which led to a rapid Japan counter-attack and an eventual corner.
Another German attack fizzled out just eight minutes later when Musiala, in his familiar position hovering around the edge of the box, tried one dribble too many and again lost the ball. Musiala’s stuttering start dented the teenager’s confidence as he opted to pass in dangerous situations on several occasions. It was not until the second half when the teenager was able to overcome the nerves and recapture his form for Bayern, dribbling past four Japanese players in the 50th minute before blasting a shot over the bar.
As the game went on, Havertz—who had a goal disallowed for offside late in the second half—became increasingly anonymous. Flick substituted debutants Niclas Fuellkrug and Youssoufa Moukoko in the closing minutes to try to win the game. Germany will need to find their form in front of goal if they are to avoid a second consecutive World Cup group stage exit as they take on 2010 champions Spain, who destroyed Costa Rica 7-0 later on Wednesday.