Many opportunities to prove themselves, the national team no longer. There are only three matches left until the nomination of the European Championship squad in May next year. Regulated preparation has barely taken place this fall due to many injury-related failures.
In this respect, the national coach also from such games as the 4-0 (1-0) victory against Belarus draw his findings. Even if it was a game that at first glance does not allow much conclusion to a tournament game. The opponent was willing but weak, the qualification before the game as good as sure. This was noticeable to some in the team, the last assignment was not noticeable in every scene.
So it was the three remaining World Champions in the team, which was responsible for setting individual highlights. Manuel Neuer, Matthias Ginter and Toni Kroos were the best on Saturday. Maybe it just shows itself in such supposedly little relevant games, to whom Joachim Loew can build in an emergency.
The achievements of the DFB players in the individual criticism:
Probably the one who still has a few world champions
Manuel Neuer, goal : Since the goalkeeper discussion in Germany has picked up speed, shows the Munich again consistently good to very good performance. 2019 was a good international year for Manuel Neuer, who will finish on schedule against the Northern Irish on Tuesday to his competitor Marc-André ter Stegen. Against the Belarusians, Neuer had more opportunity to prove his form than most expected. A strong flight parade, a held penalty, secure positional play, Neuer was always on the sidelines.
Lukas Klostermann, defense : The Leipzig had this time without his quasi-Siamese twin Marcel Halstenberg get along because his RB teammate was missing in the other field position injured. It seems as if he personally missed him. Klostermann seemed inconspicuously inhibited until he received little impetus from him. After all, he did not do much wrong.
Matthias Ginter, defense : The Gladbacher felt on home terrain apparently particularly challenged to show responsibility. He played a very conspicuous first half, with him for his unusually strong commitment on the offensive, crowned by his pretty Hackentor to 1: 0. Since playing at Borussia, Ginter has scored all his competitive matches in the stadium at home. And now we avoid the word living room and leave it to RTL live commentator Marco Hagemann.
Robin Koch, defense : The young Freiburg had to take equal in his second international match the position of central defender. In some scenes he was clearly aware of the lack of experience. When the Belarusians strengthened their offensive efforts in the second half, Koch lacked sovereignty. But who expects sovereignty in the second international game? It has to grow, and it will.
Nico Schulz, defense : The Dortmunder is currently going through a Leistungsstal, that's the same in the club, and that is now the case in the national team. Schulz found it very hard to find the right path, his thrusts on the wing were usually overhasty. He has also proved to the DFB that he can do better. In the form of Saturday, however, he is not an option for a starting place in an important tournament.
Joshua Kimmich, midfielder : Usually one in the team who rolls up his sleeves. This time he ran in the cold November already with short jersey arms. As always, the Bayern professional was ready for action, but he did not manage to do anything conspicuous. Had a few unnecessary Fehlabspiele forward, this time was clearly in the shadow of Toni Kroos.
Toni Kroos, midfielder : The Real player has scored two goals, one prepared. He had such a balance last in Belo Horizonte five and a half years ago. His 95th international match was one of his good, especially in the second half, he showed up. The national coach praised afterwards, Kroos had "played an outstanding game", one would say, an almost cinematic performance.
Leon Goretzka, midfielder : Had some strong appearances in interviews before the game, continued his form on the pitch. Eager, involved in many offensive actions, good in the air and with a lot of precision in the decisive 2: 0 shortly after the break. Showed a) how valuable he can be as an intermediary between midfield and offensive and b) that for him in the team is also a place when Kimmich, Kroos and Gündogan play.
Ilkay Gündogan, midfielder : The city professional was allowed to play again from the beginning, but made too little of his role. Gündogan has like no other in the team the eye for the free attacker, he can play like no other the precise pass to the top, he is the brain of a team on good days. So on Saturday he was a little bit lazy to stay in the picture.
Serge Gnabry, attack (up to 84th minute) : Gnabry always plays, maybe he plays a bit too often. In any case, the Bayern striker was slightly overplayed by the Belarusians, and in the early stages he failed to do so much. What speaks for him clearly: Even if he plays badly, he still prepares a hit. Was replaced shortly before the end against Luca Waldschmidt.
Luca Waldschmidt (from 84. until 90. + 1) : The Freiburg had an unfortunate short appearance. Only six minutes before the end came into play, he collided with the Belarusian goalkeeper and had to leave the field shortly thereafter. Weak consolation: The name on his jersey was spelled correctly.
Sebastian Rudy (from 90. + 1 minute) : He was allowed for two minutes on the field to replace the ailing Luca Waldschmidt. For Rudy each international match minute but currently a success, he was finally in between ever away from the national team.
Timo Werner, attack (until 68.) : The Leipziger ran as always much, but much did not run with him. Ready to play, often starting in the rooms, he tried a lot, but it stayed that way. The discrepancy between his effective appearances in the club and those in the national team has not been noticed for the first time. Was replaced after a little more than an hour by Julian Brandt.
Julian Brandt (from 68.) : The offensive player of BVB came in the 68th minute for Timo Werner into the game. Maybe the Joker role in the national team is his fate. But when he comes home from the bench, he has actually been stronger than starters. Also on Saturday he immediately set accents, trying to revive the tiring German offensive game again.
Joachim Löw : This game will play no eminent role in his coaching history. The most positive for him: He had the national team five days before a match already in his custody. So at least those who have not canceled due to injury.
