Where it all went wrong for Germany at the World Cup

The holders are heading home and facing fierce criticism.

Published Jun 29, 2018

Germany’s World Cup exit has left the ousted champions with a number of questions to answer.

Press Association Sport looks at where it went wrong for Joachim Low’s side.

Selection

Leroy Sane was left out of the squad despite his Manchester City form seeing him named PFA Young Player of the Year. — Leroy Sane was left out of the squad despite his Manchester City form seeing him named PFA Young Player of the Year (Nick Potts/PA).

Complacency

Nine members of the 2014 squad went to Russia and the majority of them were first choice for at least two of Germany’s matches. However, few seemed to justify their inclusion on form in the preceding months. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer had not played a club match since September, centre-back Jerome Boateng had not been convincing for Bayern Munich and midfielder Mesut Ozil had a poor campaign for Arsenal. When the World Cup started it quickly became apparent Sami Khedira looked every one of his 31 years in midfield while Thomas Muller, with 16 goals for Bundesliga champions Bayern, had not scored since April.

Low’s longevity

Joachim Low's 12-year reign as Germany coach is under severe scrutiny after their World Cup exit. — Joachim Low’s 12-year reign as Germany coach is under severe scrutiny after their World Cup exit (Sergei Grits/AP).

Disharmony

Coach Joachim Low felt there was a degree of arrogance within the squad going into the World Cup. — Coach Joachim Low felt there was a degree of arrogance within the squad going into the World Cup (Lee Jin-man/AP).