GIANTS GERMANY HIT NEW LOW

Germany’s 2-1 defeat to France in the UEFA Nations League on Tuesday has left them staring at the possibility of relegation to tier 2. With Joachim Loew's team struggling, losing for the sixth time in its last 10 games, HT looks at some of the problems plaguing the European powerhouse:

UNWANTED RECORD

Tuesday’s loss to the world champions follows a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of the Netherlands just two days ago signalling a record sixth defeat for the German national team in a calendar year.

After being dumped out of the World Cup in Russia, finishing bottom of the group following defeats to Mexico and South Korea, they will be relegated from the top-tier of the newly constituted Nations League if they lose to the Dutch in the final group match on November 19.

OLD GUARD

Although Loew made five changes to the team from their loss to the Dutch, his dependency on the likes of defender Mats Hummels and a 32-year-old Manuel Neuer, who is no longer the world-class goalkeeper he was after twice fracturing his foot in 2017, often leaves gaps. While the penalty awarded against Germany may have looked contentious, it was Hummels who was guilty of committing the infraction. The likes of Marc-Andre ter Stegen are knocking on Neuer’s door in goal but Loew lacks the bravery to replace the old guard. NEW TALENT SUBDUED

Their loss to France was the first time Germany have lost two consecutive competitive matches since 2000. Back then, to Germany’s rescue, came a generation boasting the likes of Miroslav Klose, Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger and younger and highly efficient versions of Mueller and Toni Kroos. But Die Mannschaft’s next gen — Sane, Julian Draxler, Julian Brandt and especially Kimmich have talent, but have failed to step up in the face of sturdy challenges. This generation also lacks a stand-out star like Kylian Mbappe, who helped France win the World Cup.