FThe joy of football does not fall from the sky-not even Hans Frick: two months after the disappointment of the European Cup, the national team missed the scheduled goal festival of the new national coach’s difficult international debut. Facing the great perimeter Liechtenstein’s solid defensive fortress, DFB-Elf did not exceed 2-0 (1-0) in the World Cup qualifiers on Thursday night despite 90 consecutive minutes of offense.
“Of course, we have decided to score more goals,” substitute captain Joshua Kimmich said on RTL. “We had a very difficult time. It was a weird game, a difficult game, because the opponent’s defense was very, very deep. We have a few options, and the real big things are far away.”
Flick said, “Convincing the team that they will score is not a matter of course.” However, this is “a beginning”. “I can’t blame the team for anything,” the national team coach said.
In front of 7,958 spectators, Timo Werner (41st minute) and Leroy Sane (77th minute) were never endangered but by no means 189th in the FIFA World Ranking in St. Gallen, Switzerland. Scored a goal. Considering the opponent’s pure defensive strategy, this game does not have any greater information value for Flick’s big goal in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
However, the former Bayern champion collector now knows that the national team cannot restart by pressing the button. The next test will be held in Stuttgart and Armenia in the top group J match on Sunday. Then the first place required for direct votes should also be conquered.
Before kick-off, Flick ran across the stands wearing white sneakers. Many fans in German jerseys celebrated with the cheers and applause of “Hans”. The national team coach smiled and waved to the supporters. Compared with Wembley’s disappointment, the only unpleasant thing is Liechtenstein’s national anthem. “Above the young Rhine” has the same melody as the British “Bless Queen”. There are no sick Manuel Neuer and Thomas Muller. There are only four players left in the round of 16 starting lineup-one of them is Joshua Kimmich in his first place. Served as captain in 60 international games.
A glorious moment
Bayern’s midfielder checked the Liechtenstein goalkeeper Benjamin Bucher (No. 4) from the beginning, who should have had a busy night. Werner also initially failed on goalkeeper (7th). The selection of the German Football Association strives to find a gap in Liechtenstein’s tight defense. Their national team coach Martin Stocklasa ordered almost all players to enter their penalty area. Robin Gosenz’s header (18th) was one of the few other opportunities for Germany in the first half hour.
In training, Flick said before the RTL kick-off that his players “have made him excited.” During the game, the problem of teething in the first half was still clearly visible. Highly inclined offenses around Werner, Leroy Sane, Kay Haverts, and starting 11 rookie Murciara pushed into the penalty zone-but often blocked each other. On the sidelines, Flick became more and more impatient. The 56-year-old asked for more exercise-and then when Musyara fulfilled his wish, he applauded vigorously.
The 18-year-old dribbled unimpeded in the penalty area and attracted several opponents and pushed the ball to Werner, who went hand in hand with him and scored his 17th international goal. Therefore, the embarrassing zero number against low-level opponents at half time was avoided.
DFB’s defense, Thilo Kehrer celebrated his comeback after a one-year break from the DFB, and as expected, there was almost no need to defuse the offense. Aron Sele’s attempt at 35 meters made the audience cheer, but it also far surpassed (30th). In the other two matches against Armenia and on Wednesday in Iceland, Flick will definitely rotate-Champions League champion Antonio Rudiger only sat on the bench on Thursday night. Flick said this is also “about pressure control.”
Bayern leader Mueller, Flick praised his surprise moment, but he will definitely be absent due to a problem with his left thigh. In the absence of the Rio World Championship, Flick-Elf would need multiple attempts after a break to get a chance that is still very few convincing. Liechtenstein has Büchel, and he also fought Gündogan (No. 58) brilliantly.
An hour later, Frick made three changes in his invalid choices: Serge Gnabry replaced Haverts, Jonas Hoffman replaced Riddle Baku, and Marco Royce replaced Murciala to celebrate his comeback of the German Football Association. Before Reus hit the side net (73rd), Leon Goretzka also participated in the game (Gündogan/73rd). When a little speed came into play, only Sane increased again. The Bayern professional player freed himself by quick physical deception and scored his eighth international goal. Shortly before the end of the game, the top genius Florian Wirtz (Florian Wirtz) appeared and became the first rookie under Flick’s (82nd).
