Germany facing moment of truth
ANOTHER DEFEAT WILL BE FATAL
World Cup holders Germany face enormous pressure ahead of their second group match against Sweden today, dubbed an “early final”, with Joachim Loew’s team knowing defeat today would effectively end their campaign.
The pre-tournament talk in Germany focused on the bid to become the first team for 56 years to retain the World Cup.
But after a shock 1-0 defeat to Mexico, the four-time winners must beat the Swedes to be sure of staying in the tournament.
Suddenly, the sweet taste of victory in Rio de Janeiro four years ago seems a long time ago.
“Everyone is aware that this is our first ‘final’, it’s annoying that it comes so early, but it’s self-inflicted,” team director Oliver Bierhoff said.
An atrocious first-half display against Mexico stunned fans in football-mad Germany, who have grown used to regular success.
The World Cup winners, accustomed to easy questions from their press and the backing of adoring fans, have been stung by a swarm of criticism.
Former international players have toured TV studios, calling for under-performing players like Mesut Oezil and Sami Khedira to be dropped.
Behind the high walls of the team hotel outside Moscow, “frank words” were exchanged between the players.
“There has never been such strong communication within the team before,” captain Manuel Neuer said. The mind games have started. A Swedish tabloid reporter offered Sami Khedira a mockedup ticket home for the German squad, complete with an offer of free beer to drown their sorrows.
“I think we’ll only need that on July 16,” Khedira replied, laughing off the gag and suggesting the Germans still believe they can reach the final on July 15.
The determination to make amends after the Mexico debacle is clear.
“Everyone is ready to fight for their lives,” said 22-year-old striker Timo Werner, who was not part of the winning squad four years ago. – AFP