National team: “Fullness” or Müller? – Flick’s team in the Costa Rica Tunnel

In the lively verbal one-two with Thomas Müller on the DFB podium, Niclas Füllkrug scored his goals as dry as on the pitch in the massive World Cup premier goal against Spain.

“Stupid question,” shot out of the mouth of the suddenly world-famous footballer with the prominent gap in his teeth. Germany’s World Cup hopefuls should answer in the training center in Al-Shamal who should be the nine in the group final against Costa Rica, “full jug or miller”?

Müller, who was the goalless attacker in front for a long time in the 1-1 win against Spain, pushed Bremen into pole position: “The nine on the back definitely has plenty. He also welded the thing against Spain.” The momentum, the self-confidence, the looseness speaks for the 29-year-old jug. When asked about his muscular jubilation, which he usually celebrates after goals in the Werder Bremen jersey, the tree-tall attacker mischievously tensed his imposing biceps – watched in amazement by the sinewy Müller.

“We have a lot of very good attacking players”

Filling jug or miller? It is one of the key questions for national coach Hansi Flick when it comes to filling the offensive on Thursday (8 p.m. / ARD and MagentaTV). Because goals are absolutely needed, possibly even a lot, in order to advance from the last place in the group to the World Cup round of 16 with the win you need.

Filling jug or miller? Flick could also give Füllkrug and Müller as a starting eleven answer. Füllkrug in front, Müller for Serge Gnabry on the right, who hasn’t fired up so far, Jamal Musiala in the center as a tenth and Leroy Sané as a pacemaker on the left wing. “We have a lot of very good offensive players in the squad,” said Müller: “It will be important that we fill the box well. There will certainly not be just one man in demand.” Müller called Füllkrug’s Spain goal “a Götze moment” in reference to Mario Götze’s 2014 World Cup final goal, but added: “We’ll need a few more golden moments.”

Another job sharing in the center forward position between Müller (at the beginning) and Füllkrug (as a joker) is also conceivable. In any case, this proven variant is being discussed in the coaching team, as Flick’s assistant Marcus Sorg indicated: “You have to see what effect which player has at what point in time.”

“It’s a must for us to win”

In the DFB district in the far north of Qatar, it is still about individuals. But it’s all about the common interest not to have to fly home early on Friday as a team that failed again in the World Cup preliminary round. World Cup veteran Müller emphasized the “we” as the biggest win of the Spain game, even if it couldn’t be won: “We played together, we defended together. You saw how important it is for us to win in the tournament stay.” In Füllkrug’s no-frills words, it sounded like this: “We’re in the mood for the game. A win is a must for us.”

The power of the late Füllkrug goal against Spain should not fizzle out again like Toni Kroos’ 2-1 winning goal in added time against Sweden in 2018. At that time at the World Cup in Russia there followed a desolate and fatal 0-2 in the last group game against South Korea. Germany, the world champion, was out of the tournament. “Now we have to do it differently,” warned the 33-year-old Müller, who was there live in Kazan back then.

There is little reason for euphoria

The arithmetic games in Group E are basically simple before the simultaneous kick-off of the games Spain (4 points) against Japan (3) and Costa Rica (3) against Germany (1). But in the course of the evening it could still get very tricky and complicated up to the drawing of lots. A victory for the DFB team is enough if Spain does not lose to Japan. But if that were to happen, Spain’s 7-0 win over Costa Rica would require a rifle match. “8-0 isn’t really a realistic result at a World Cup,” said Müller.

Füllkrug described the still complicated starting position, even if his late equalizer against strong Spaniards completely changed the mood in the team, from frustration to fight and confidence: “The 1-1 gives us energy, but that’s not the end of it.” Müller completed the line of thought of the offensive colleague: “One point, goal difference minus one – there is little reason for us to be euphoric.”

In the tunnel of preparation

Flick reinforces the attitude his team showed just after falling behind against Spain. “The mentality was right not to let it get you down.” Confidence is back, which suffered badly in the false start against Japan. On Tuesday, Flick opened the preparation of the match plan against Costa Rica in the DFB’s training camp in Qatar’s desert. “We are now absolutely going into the tunnel of preparation,” said Müller.

The Bayern professional, whom Flick still relies on as a leader on the field, has been waiting for a tournament goal since the legendary 7-1 win against Brazil in the 2014 World Cup semifinals. The ambitious Müller (10 World Cup goals) with the high football IQ naturally senses that the doubts about him are growing from game to game. “I know you’re judged by goals and assists. I’m not satisfied with zero shots,” he said.

Füllkrug’s quota is: three international matches, two goals. “Niclas has shown that he knows where the goal is,” said Müller, without envy in his voice, acknowledging the podium man next to him. “Fülle” enjoys the World Cup limelight, he is living a dream, but is down to earth enough not to exaggerate: “Seeing myself as a World Cup hope – difficult!”