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Germany's disastrous World Cup shocked every fan worldwide, as the former FIFA World Cup champions were out in the group stage in Russia. Surprisingly, they even lost 2-0 to South Korea. The win was seemingly equivalent to winning the World Cup itself for South Korea, and this certainly boosted their confidence which paid off as they won gold in the Asian Games 2018 in Jakarta.
Germany however has a chance to iron out their flaws and make a comeback in the UEFA Nations League, pleasing their fans as they prepare for Euro 2020.
They take on the World Champions France in the opening game of the Nations League, and Joachim Low must want his men to start off the campaign with a win.
Lets look at the areas the Germans have to improve in order to mount a revival.
#3 Playmaker issues
With Mesut Ozil officially out of the Germany squad, Joachim Low must be in need of a playmaker who can take up Ozil's job. No matter how much criticism Ozil receives, when he is taken off the pitch, it is visible.
The lack of creativity in the midfield without Ozil is clear, and the forwards will certainly miss him. However, they have the midfield maestro Toni Kroos in the side, he could voluntarily take up the job of play-making.
In addition to the playmaker issues, there were no lethal wingers for the Die Mannschaft, and this was one of the sole reasons why they finished goalless in 2 of 3 World Cup group stage games.
The likes of Reus and Draxler could not initiate attacks, and neither could they create chances, they were nowhere close to their best.
With Leroy Sane back in the German squad, their requirement of a pacy winger is resolved, and they will look better in the attacking aspects of the game, which takes me to my next point.
#2 An out and out striker
Timo Werner the Leipzig wonder-boy had immense duties and pressure on his young shoulders, and this resulted in the German failing to impress at the World Cup. Werner lacked confidence, he was rarely in the perfect position to score, and this prevented him from fulfilling the striker role.
This was arguably one of the major reasons why Germany was defeated in two out of their three World Cup games. Timo Werner was isolated, as Low's men played a 4-2-3-1 system with Timo being their main and only striker.
Germany's squad for the UEFA Nations League contains no experienced striker. They are likely to experience the same problem again.
However, the likes of Julian Brandt and Thomas Muller could be deployed as sole striker, if Timo fails to perform.
Julian did not get a start in any of the group stage games at the World Cup, but in his small cameos he looked more fearsome than Timo, and Low must have plans to start him ahead of the Leipzig striker.
#1 Defense
Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng are two of the best defenders across Europe, as their performances for their country and club have always stood out. But, their 2018 World Cup campaign was no less than a complete disappointment. Not only in the defensive aspects of the game, but Hummels also bottled plenty of chances to change the scoreline against South Korea.
The centre-back duo has been an alarming force for Bayern Munich, but their form in Russia has raised several questions on their abilities.
Firstly, something which was crystal clear is that both of them lacked pace. Unsurprisingly, they were easily overrun by forwards, and this resulted in Neuer conceding goals.
The German shot-stopper had no support whatsoever as the goal they conceded against Mexico and South Korea were clearly defensive errors.
The World Champions France have the best attack across the globe, and their pacy forwards could exploit Germany's defence with ease.
The likes of Ousmane Dembele, Mbappe and Griezmann could cause some serious problems for Germany, and if they do not sort out their defending issues, I fear they wont be able to withstand the Frenchmen.
