Goalkeeper decision: that means Baumann’s promotion to number one

Oliver Baumann by Julian Nagelmann is officially only appointed at the press conference on Wednesday (6.30 p.m.) in Milan’s legendary Giuseppe-Mazza Stadium. But at the latest with the presentation of the back numbers of the national football team for the quarter-finals in the Nations League against Italy, it was clear: The goalkeeper of TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at the age of 34 will be at least temporary Germany’s goalkeeper.

Baumann got the one, Alexander Nübel the twelve and has to come to the Squadra Azzurra on Thursday (8:45 p.m./ARD) in Milan and on Sunday (8:45 p.m./RTL) in Dortmund.

This ends the four-game casting of the two that Nagelsmann had declared after the serious knee injury to his actual regulars Marc-André Ter Stegen last year. The goalkeeper question in the national team will remain an issue in the previous year of the World Cup.

Why makes Nagelmann Baumann number one for the Italy games?

The crucial arguments for Baumann and nübel are stability and consistency. In these categories, the 34-year-old has a lead before his opponent, who was six years younger. Crazy things are not to be expected from Baumann, possibly also parried less supposedly unsustainable balls.

But with his calm and experience, he can be an important factor in the explosive Italy duels. He also left this impression in his two international matches against the Netherlands (1-0) and Bosnia-Herzegovina (7-0) in October and November.

What does the decision for competitor Alexander Nübel mean?

Of course, the place on the bench is a disappointment for the VfB goalkeeper. As many times in his moving career, Nübel has to stand in the back. The advantage: he knows the situation with the situation, will hardly be added. And if Baumann and one day no longer play for Germany, he is in the pole position. Staying to it now is for the Stuttgart Bayern loan. Sometimes things go quickly in football. An injury, a dismissal – and it would be Nübel on it.

Will the Final Four or the World Cup qualification be decided in June?

This depends largely on Baumann’s performance against Italy. If he shows good appearances, his position is solid. Then there is nothing to be said that he stays up to Ter Stegen’s return in the goal. Although it is not yet clear when the goalkeeper of FC Barcelona will be ready for use and in top constitution. The tendency is more like the second half of the year.

What happens when Marc-André ter Stegen comes back?

After the European Championship, Nagelsmann clearly said: Ter Stegen is the successor to Manuel Neuer in the German goal. And he had also confirmed this attitude after the devastating diagnosis. So if the 32-year-old comes back fit and in shape, he will replace Baumann again.

This return scenario from Ter Stegen may even have been a plus for Baumann over Nübel. The 34-year-old no longer makes claims for the future. This makes it easier for Nagelsmann to make the expected interplay in autumn.

What about Germany as a goalkeeper country?

Some experts see a vacuum after the DFB resignation of over-goalkeeper Neuer. DFB sports director Rudi Völler now countered this. “I don’t see that black, we have good goalkeepers,” he said before the Italy duel.

The fact is, however,: In addition to Ter Stegen (42 caps), there is no alternative with a lot of international experience. Baumann and Nübel each played twice in autumn. Bernd Leno (9) is in good shape at FC Fulham, but has made himself unpopular with his rejection of the role as a third man. Stefan Ortega Moreno from Manchester City currently has it – without any DFB mission.

A young generation grows in the shade. Noah Atubolo (22 years) from SC Freiburg or Bavaria’s current and perspective new heir Jonas Urbig (21) could one day compete for a new duel for the German number one.