LOEW’S LAST DANCE

Joachim Loew has taken Germany to the 2008 final and the 2012 and 2016 semi-finals. Going into his last dance as Bundestrainer—when he took over in 2006, Zinedine Zidane had just retired in ignominy and Norwegian sensation Erling Halaand hadn’t turned six—Loew has more to worry than inappropriate touchline behaviour (he has been banned from the bench during the Euro 2008). The high of the 2014

World Cup gave way to an ignominious exit in Russia and Germany have been on a slippery slope since. Humbled by Spain, hurt by North Macedonia and often looking hackneyed, all Germany are seeking is positive results. To do that, they have fallen back on the tried and tested (read: Thomas Mueller and Mats Hummels).