International Friendlies: Austria 2-1 Germany, 5 talking points

Austria stun Germany with an unlikely 2-1 win
Austria stun Germany with an unlikely 2-1 win

Germany’s World Cup preparations suffered an unlikely setback after going down 2-1 to Austria in a warm-up match in Klagenfurt.

With heavy rains delaying the kick-off by a good 105 minutes, the defending world champions took just 11 minutes to open the account after Mesut Ozil pounced on a defensive error. But Germany gradually receded into mediocrity after that.

Das Team, who appeared disjointed at first, turned the screw in the second-half with a much-improved display, and also bagged two crucial goals to seal a shock win; their first over Germany in 32 years.

Manager Joachim Löw was left with plenty to ponder after another disappointing performance. Here are some major talking points from the match:

#1 Germany’s winless run doesn’t bode well ahead of Russia

Germany aren't at full strength with World Cup just over 10 days away
Germany
aren't
at full strength

Three consecutive draws to England, France and Spain was followed by a narrow defeat to Brazil. But the new low has really set the alarm bells ringing. Just two weeks now from their opener against Mexico, Germany look far from ready. Creativity was at a premium today. All the poise of the initial exchanges dissipated even before the end of the first-half.It’s a common spectacle to see Germany underperform in the friendlies only to up the ante at the majors and somehow get through to at least the semi-finals. But their recent run really would spell worry for the manager and the fans alike. With the latest setback, the Die Mannschaft have now gone 5 games without a win, their worst run in 30 years.

Loew’s men appeared unfazed even when Austria took the lead and did little of note to mount a comeback. This isn’t their best starting line-up, but the listless show, as the manager himself admitted, is disappointing.

It doesn’t bode well with the tournament lurking just around the corner.

#2 A game of two halves

Austria turned the tide after the break
Austria turned the tide after the break

Even if Germany were never at full pelt, they enjoyed a fair bit of dominion in the opening few minutes. The reigning world champions managed to create a handful of half-chances while Ozil’s curling effort for the opener was the best part.

Austria spent most of the initial quarter in their own half and only threatened on the counter. After a relatively cagey first-half, the hosts came back strongly post the interval. And Martin Hinteregger’s belter of a shot from near the byline was a sign of things to come.

The Buscher dominated thoroughly thereafter, oozing new found vibrancy in the attack and making life difficult for the visitors with quick passes and sustained pressure. It did pay dividends eventually, as Alessandro Schopf netted Austria’s second that proved to be the eventual winner.

Germany’s less glamorous neighbours turned the screw in the second-half, and despite throwing in numerous substitutions, there was no stopping them from claiming a famous victory.

#3 Neuer shines on Germany return

Neuer is back with a bang!
Neuer is back with a bang!

One of the more headline-grabbing issues ahead of the kickoff was the return of sweeper-keeper Manuel Neuer, who’d anchor the net for Germany for the first time since October 2016. The Bayern Munich shot-stopper also returned to action since recovering from an injury that ruled him out for almost all of 2017/18 season and it was a memorable return too.

The best German player on the field, Neuer pulled off a string of amazing saves to imbue some confidence about his form ahead of the competition. He was vigilant and read the movement of the ball well, coming up clutches whenever called into action. He produced 5 saves on the night, the best one was the one near the byline in the opening half, as Florian Grillitsch almost pulled an equaliser.

Despite his best efforts, there was no clean sheet for him on his return. But Neuer couldn’t be blamed for either of Austria’s goals. Both were moments of pure quality, but it doesn’t dim his bright showings any much.

It was a fine return in goal, but against Saudi Arabia, he’d pick up more gametime and also test his mettle before jetting off to Russia.

#4 David Alaba packs a punch

Alaba was vital to Austria's comeback
Alaba was vital to Austria's comeback

Austria’s much-improved second-half was down to David Alaba stepping up to the plate. The Bayern Munich defender engineered the comeback victory with a strong performance and also assisted Hinteregger’s equaliser with a well-taken corner kick.

Playing in a left-sided attacking role, Alaba surged forward at will and thoroughly tested the German defence. He was also a key during the impeccable passing spells that saw Austria gain momentum. His laid out some short, incisive ones to keep the side ticking and even if he failed to get on the scoresheet today, his contribution in the historic victory cannot be understated.

The likes of Marko Arnautovic or other goalscorers normally walk with all the plaudits, but Alaba today showed he’s just as important to Austria’s fortunes too.

#5 Peterson misses an opportunity to impress

Petersen's first international cap ended on a sour note
Petersen's first international cap ended on a sour note

The SC Freiberg striker was handed his maiden international cap today, at the age of 29. With Timo Werner and Mario Gomez both on the bench, this was an opportunity for him to make a strong case for himself at the World Cups. But Peterson instead turned in a largely forgettable performance.

Firstly, Germany’s attack lacked the usual flair going forward. And in their best spell, which only lasted for the first 10 minutes or so, he was non-existent. A couple of passes hither and a few encouraging runs tither, Petersen had little else of value in his game.

Loew was clearly testing his fringe players in this match, as the starting line-up would suggest. And he surely wasn’t impressed by the Freiburg star, who was then taken off in the 75th minute for Gomez.

With just one more game to go before they kickoff their campaign in Russia, Germany are set to field a strong line-up against Saudi Arabia on Friday. And Petersen will be kicking himself when he finds himself on the bench.

Quick Links

Edited by Sripad