Eight-and-a-half years ago, Germany humiliated Brazil in their own backyard 7-1 inside the Estadio Mineirao and followed it up by breaking Argentina hearts in the final to win the World Cup.
A forgettable title defence in Russia followed four years later in what was the start of a rough decline of the Joachim Low era. Germany finished bottom in Group D on three points, losing to both Mexico and South Korea.
Things didn’t look any brighter when they lost to England last summer in the round of 16 at Euro 2020 - the first time in the postwar era that Germany had crashed out before the quarter-finals in consecutive tournaments. The German supporters have grown disillusioned with Die Mannschaft and now it is time for the players to stand up and be counted.
GROUP E BETTING: Spain 10/11, Germany 11/10, Japan 10/1, Costa Rica 50/1
It’s not all doom and gloom as we know that Germany possess some talented players; their attacking ranks in particular are to be admired. They have the exciting young star Jamal Musiala and his Bayern Munich team-mates Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry, and then there is versatile midfielder Jonas Hofmann who has found a way to score goals as a wing-back.
Having been ruled out through injury, it remains to be seen who will play as the centre-forward in place of Timo Werner. Kai Havertz springs to mind because he has operated through the middle at Chelsea, but you only tend to get the best out of him when he has a forward to supply or link-up with. Head coach Hansi Flick could also turn to Karim Adeyemi to lead the line while his Borussia Dortmund team-mate Youssoufa Mokoko is likely to have an impact from the bench.
TOURNAMENT ODDS: Spain 9/1, Germany 11/1, Japan 300/1, Costa Rica 1000/1
Midfielder Joshua Kimmich, who has established himself as a great technician over the last few years, has come under heavy criticism over the defensive side of his game in the middle of the pitch. Manuel Neuer may be 36 now but he remains one of the best goalkeepers in the world and having him will provide his side a massive boost given he won this tournament in 2014.
Flick is likely to deploy his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation but could also tweak it to a back five against stronger opposition, perhaps even against Spain who they meet in Group E.
While Germany remain a team that is rebuilding and reinforcing their identity under Flick, there is still a chance they could go far this winter. As already mentioned, they have some very exciting attackers who can score goals, and when you throw in the likes of Thomas Muller and Leon Goretzka into the mix, reaching the semi-finals at least is a distinct possibility.
GERMANY STAGE OF ELIMINATION: Group Stage: 7/2, Last 16 15/8, Quarter-Final: 10/3, Semi-Final: 11/2, Runner-Up: 9/1, Winner: 10/1
It won’t be a walk in the park but they certainly have the attacking quality to hurt teams and while they need to restore some dignity to their reputation at present, they are also looking ahead to when they host Euro 2024.
They should have more than enough firepower to cause problems for Costa Rica and Japan. They have the potential to hurt Spain but the biggest concern for them playing Luis Enrique’s side is how they handle themselves defensively.
Germany under Flick are nowhere near the finished article but the supporters who have been left frustrated over the past few years are expecting to be given signs of progress ahead of their home tournament in less than two years’ time.
Wed 23 Nov (1pm GMT) Germany 9/20, Japan 11/2, draw 10/3
Wed 23 Nov (4pm) Spain 1/7, Costa Rica 18/1, draw 6/1
Sun 27 Nov (10am) Japan 3/4, Costa Rica 4/1, draw 12/5
Sun 27 Nov (7pm) Spain 8/5, Germany 17/10, draw 23/10
Thu 1 Dec (7pm) Japan 13/2, Spain 2/5, draw 18/5
Thu 1 Dec (7pm) Costa Rica 12/1, Germany 1/4, draw 9/2
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject To Change
