Germany turned in its worst performance under Julian Nagelsmann (who was equally uninspiring) and fell to a hungrier, more aggressive, and more creative Slovakia side that might have lacked the star power, but made up for it with passion and a will to win.
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Many fans were disappointed with showing — as were pundits and DFB representatives, so let’s try to unpack it all. Here are some quick hitters on the match:
As always, let’s begin with the look at the starting XI:
This lineup was filled with a lot of unnecessary risk. Throwing in a very green Nnamdi Collins when Joshua Kimmich has been the best right-back in Germany for years. Playing a three-man midfield of Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, and Angelo Stiller — three fine players, but also three programmatic non-fits in attempting to play together. Nagelsmann had no real options at center-back, so he had to love with whatever Jonathan Tah and Antonio Rüdiger, which was not enough. The attack was ok (barely), but extremely inefficient. Florian Wirtz had moments of brilliance, but did not put the team on his shoulder like you might expect. Nick Woltemade wasn’t good enough. Serge Gnabry came back down to Earth. Overall, the starters were not good enough and lacked passion, while the coach took too many risks with this XI.
Slovakia was sharper and more energetic from the get-go even if Germany dominated possession.
The first half had an eerie feel to it. Almost like something bad was going to happen because Germany lacked any sense of urgency to take advantage of its edge in possession.
In the 42nd minute, Dávid Hancko and David Strelec combined for a very nice goal in taking advantage of Germany’s defensive scrambling. Hancko, Strelec, Leo Sauer, and Ondrej Duda were handful for Germany to deal with. In fact, you could probably throw two or three more names to that list of players who made Germany’s life hell.
Hancko scored the goal after a dynamic counterattack where he intercepted the ball, made a terrific run into the box, and just had a terrific finish. It was an awesome play.
Collins was subbed out at the half and his debut was not anything that would convince anyone that we need to see more — at least not yet.
Strelec would get his own goal in the 55th minute. Being down 2-0, there was still hope that Germany could come back, just not a lot of confidence in a squad that looked bereft of ambition.
None of Nagelsmann’s subs did much to help fill the energy void. Mostly, they just fit into the mess.
Overall, it was bad. There is not much positive to say, except that the squad has another game to right the ship. How the team is responding to Nagelsmann is worrying…and the coach’s inability to control his impulses is reminiscent of his time at Bayern Munich. Let’s hope that this was just blip on the radar.
If you missed our Initial Analysis, Match Awards, Observations, or Postgame Podcast, give them a look or a listen:
Bayern Munich winger Luis Díaz thinks it is pretty cool to be playing with Harry Kane and Michael Olise.
“I’m proud to be part of this club and to play alongside incredible players like Harry. I’ve known about him for a long time. Olise also played in the English Premier League. They’re all part of this team, they’re great players. They’ve got incredible quality. Playing alongside Harry is great for me. He’s a player who can get on well with anyone. You just need a movement to form an understanding,” said Díaz. “Olise is a bit more like what I usually do as he looks to dribble. He has a lot of assists and goals. And when the game’s a bit tough, he goes for a 1v1. You need players of their magnitude. They’re incredible players. I feel really happy to be sharing the pitch with them.”
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Bayern Munich’s summer transfer window is over, but the assessments can now finally begin.
There were big acquisitions, important sales, and devastating misses. This transfer window pretty much had it all, so let’s break it down.
Also, be sure to stay tuned to Bavarian Podcast Works for all of your up to date coverage on Bayern Munich and Germany. Check us out on Patreon and follow us on Twitter @BavarianFBWorks, @BavarianPodcast @TheBarrelBlog, @2012nonexistent, @TommyAdams71 and more.
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Former Bayern Munich academy player Kenan Yıldız could be getting a new deal from Juventus:
Juventus want to offer Kenan Yildiz a contract that will run until 2030 and take him from being one of their lowest-earning players to someone in the top five, as reported by Gazzetta dello Sport. With the 20-year-old already having a contract that runs until 2029, a major part of the club’s motivation is to see off interest from any top clubs who could be interested. Juve feel that Yildiz is worth at least €100 million, having turned down Chelsea’s €70 million offer in July.
It is safe to say that João Palhinha is off to a great start with Tottenham Hotspur:
Tottenham’s midfield has looked rock-solid this season, all thanks to the brilliance of Joao Palhinha. The Portugal international signed for the Lilywhites earlier last month on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich. However, the North London club also has an option to make the deal permanent next summer if the 30-year-old performs well at N17.
Given the fact that he is Premier League-proven makes it easier for the 30-year-old to adapt to the quick pace of the league and show his quality from minute-one. The Portugal international has made it clear as well that he wants to win major trophies at the North London club and prove his worth by showcasing his talents week in week out.
Well, it is fair to say that Tottenham have done great bits of business in the summer to back Thomas Frank for this season. The Lilywhites have welcomed in seven new signings for the new season, and most of them are bound to be instant starters for the North London club. Out of all the players that have come through the doors at Hotspur Way in the summer, the arrival of Joao Palhinha is certainly seen as a massive coup.
Tim Spears believes Joao Palhinha was one of the best ball-winning midfielders in Europe during his time with Fulham in the Premier League. And the journalist adds that the Lilywhites have signed a player of his calibre ‘for peanuts’, as he will certainly elevate the quality of the midfield this season. Spears points out that the Portugal international will make others around him better, and will also help the defence in more ways than one.
Germany will be starting their World Cup Qualifying campaign this week with matches against Slovakia and Northern Ireland. Julian Nagelsmann’s side will be eager to right their wrongs after failing to win the Nations League title on home soil in Munich. Join Jack Laushway and Michael Scott as they break down the 23-man roster, a potential starting lineup, as well as Germany’s prospects in this group.
Also, be sure to stay tuned to Bavarian Podcast Works for all of your up to date coverage on Bayern Munich and Germany. Check us out on Patreon and follow us on Twitter @BavarianFBWorks, @BavarianPodcast @TheBarrelBlog, @2012nonexistent, @TommyAdams71 and more.
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German goalkeeper Stefan Ortega could be leaving Manchester City:
Trabzonspor are exploring a deal for Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, as per Florian Plettenberg. The Germany international is “evaluating the option,” although no formal offer has been presented just yet. Ortega, 32, is likely to be City’s third-choice goalkeeper this season following the arrival of James Trafford and Gianluigi Donnarumma. Trabzonspor, meanwhile, have also shortlisted Konyaspor stopper Deniz Ertas.
Alan Shearer did not like how Alexander Isak forced his move from Newcastle United to Liverpool:
Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer believed Alexander Isak’s behaviour in forcing a move to Liverpool was “a really bad look for football.”
Isak effectively went on strike in order to push through his British record £125 million ($170m) transfer to the Anfield club on Monday, refusing to play for the Magpies at the start of the Premier League season.
Shearer said: “I didn’t like how it got to the end. I don’t think it’s ever right that a player should go on strike and refuse to play for a club whilst you’re being paid and have a contract.
“I understand it from the other way around, when a club wants to get rid of you they do, but they’re still paying your wages. When you sign a contract, you’re obliged to fulfil it.”
The former England captain added to Betfair: “Alexander Isak is a good player, going to a great football club who will no doubt challenge for all the big trophies. But, as I said, I don’t like how it happened. He’ll have his reasons, I’m sure.
“We can thank him for what he did at Newcastle, but it’s been a messy situation all summer.
“I don’t think it’s done anyone any good. It’s been a really bad look for football and for the fans because they’re the paying public, the ones that make this great game of ours.
“It’s not a good look at all when you’re being paid by a club and refuse to play.
“Ultimately, he got his move to Liverpool, that’s what he wanted.”
Matchday 2 delivered — and it almost feels cruel that we now have to wait two weeks for Bundesliga action.
In this episode of the Bundesliga Rundown, Marcus covers:
Why Hamburger SV never matched Bayern Munich’s success
What makes St. Pauli the most unique club in German football
The thrilling 3-3 draw between Werder Bremen and Bayer Leverkusen
Why Bayer Leverkusen sacked Erik ten Hag in a historical fashion — and why Marcus thinks it might have been the right call
If you’re on BlueSky, be sure to follow the Bundesliga Rundown and Bavarian Football Works at:
If you’re on Instagram, be sure to follow the Bundesliga Rundown at @TheBundesligaRundown