On his debut, Hansi Flick only scored 2-0 against outsider Liechtenstein – there was no enthusiasm. The DFB selection is just not compelling enough.
Football fun doesn’t fall from the sky – not even with Hansi Flick: A good two months after the big disappointment in the European Championship, the national team missed the scheduled goal festival at the tough international premiere of the new national coach. Against the solid defensive bulwark of the great outsider Liechtenstein, the DFB-Elf did not get beyond a thin 2-0 (1-0) in the World Cup qualification on Thursday evening despite 90 minutes of continuous attack.
No new beginning at the push of a button
“Of course we have already decided to score more goals,” said substitute captain Joshua Kimmich on RTL. “We struggled really hard. It was a strange game, a difficult game because the opponents defended very, very deeply. We had a couple of opportunities, the really big things didn’t happen.”
In front of 7958 spectators, Timo Werner (41st minute) and Leroy Sané (77th) scored the goals for the never endangered and yet by no means befitting victory against number 189 in the FIFA world rankings in St. Gallen, Switzerland. Given the purely defensive strategy of the opponent, the game did not have any greater informative value for Flick’s big goals towards the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The former Bayern title collector now knows, however, that the national team cannot start over at the push of a button. The next test is due on Sunday with the top match in Group J against Armenia in Stuttgart. Then the first place required for the direct ticket should also be conquered.
Only four players from the round of 16 in the starting line-up
In white sneakers, Flick had run along the stands before kick-off. The numerous fans represented in Germany jerseys celebrated him with “Hansi” shouts and applause. With a smile, the national coach waved at the supporter. The only unpleasant parallel to the disappointment at Wembley was the Liechtenstein anthem. “Up on the young Rhine” has the same melody as England’s “God save the Queen”. Without the ailing Manuel Neuer and Thomas Müller, only four players from the round of 16 were in the starting line-up – one of them was Kimmich as captain in his 60th international match.
Bayern’s midfielder checked Liechtenstein goalkeeper Benjamin Büchel (4th) right from the start, who should have a busy evening ahead of him. Werner also failed initially on the goalkeeper (7th). The DFB selection struggled to find the gap in the tight Liechtenstein defense. Their national coach Martin Stocklasa ordered almost all players to their own penalty area. Robin Gosens’ header to the post (18th) was one of the few other German chances of the first half hour.
In training, Flick had said before kick-off at RTL, his players had “already excited” him. In the game, the teething problems in the first half were still clearly visible. The highly prone offensive around Werner, Leroy Sané, Kai Havertz and starting eleven debutant Musiala pushed into the penalty area – but often stood in each other’s way. On the sidelines, Flick was growing impatient. The 56-year-old asked for more exercise – and then clapped vigorously when Musiala granted his wish.
The 18-year-old dribbled carefree in the penalty area, attracted several opponents and pushed through to Werner, who took the pace with him and scored his 17th international goal. An embarrassing zero number at halftime against the lower class opponent was averted.
Reus celebrates DFB comeback
The DFB defense, in which Thilo Kehrer celebrated his comeback after a one-year break from the DFB, hardly had to defuse an attack, as expected. The attempt by Aron Sele from a good 35 meters cheered the spectators, but also went far past (30th). In the other two games against Armenia and on Wednesday in Iceland, Flick will certainly rotate – Champions League winner Antonio Rüdiger only sat on the bench on Thursday evening. It is also “about stress control,” said Flick.
Bayern leader Müller, whom Flick appreciates for his moments of surprise, will definitely be absent due to problems with his left thigh. Without the Rio world champion, the Flick-Elf needed several attempts after the break to get their still few compelling chances. And Liechtenstein had Büchel, who also parried brilliantly against Gündogan (58th).
After an hour, Flick made three changes in his ineffective selection: Serge Gnabry came for Havertz, Jonas Hofmann for Ridle Baku, and Marco Reus celebrated his DFB comeback by substituting for Musiala. Leon Goretzka also came into the game (for Gündogan / 73rd), before Reus hit the side netting (73rd). Only Sané increased again when a bit of speed came into play. The Bayern professional freed himself with a quick body deception and scored his eighth international goal. Shortly before the end, top talent Florian Wirtz came and became the first debutant under Flick (82nd).
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
