As had been the case in 2012, Germany would kick off their footballing year against France – the second in two pre-arranged friendly encounters between the two sides. In Bremen the French had gone away with a 2-1 win against
Finally!
After a winter hiatus lasting the best part of three months, the Nationalmannschaft’s schedule for 2013 would finally get underway in Paris against France, an opponent against which a victory was long overdue. The French had spoiled Germany’s party in
Netherlands v Germany: Match Analysis and Player Ratings
This was billed as a prestige friendly to end the calendar year, and seen by some as the third chapter in a three-part series that had started with the Mannschaft’s 3-0 win in Hamburg a year previously. Given the almost
Changes, changes…
It’s not often that I shoehorn in another squad news update in between the posting the initial squad selection and the pre-match preview, but following this weekend’s league fixtures and what can only be described as a glut of injuries
Germany v Italy: The Azure Blue Monkey
Eight competitive matches. Four draws. Four defeats. You can work out the rest, but I’ll say it anyway: zero wins. A record that defies all description, and more so after the defeat in the Euro 2012 semi-final, all logic. Even
Germany v Sweden: Lahm, left or right?
There’s one burning question leading up to the World Cup qualifier in Berlin against Sweden: with skipper Philipp Lahm returning from his one-match suspension, is he going to return to the right or switch out to the left? Will Jérôme
Demolition in Dublin: Six of the Best
It’s a cool but dry evening in Dublin, and the home side take to the field in their traditional green and white ensemble with Germany in their familiar Schwarz und Weiß.
Republic of Ireland v Germany: Will German eyes be smiling?
After two wins in their opening two fixtures against the Faroe Islands and Austria, Joachin Löw’s side face a far tougher double-header – with the first match in Dublin against the Republic of Ireland followed by a home meeting with
Austria v Germany: Match Analysis and Player Ratings
After the expected but not wholly convincing victory over the Faroe Islands in their opening World Cup qualifying fixture in Hannover, the pressure would be on Nationaltrainer Joachim Löw and his side to deliver a more convincing performance against neighbours
To sing or not to sing? The Nationalhymne Debate
The subject would be broached in the wake of the semi-final defeat at Euro 2012, and would continue to rumble through the summer as former footballers, coaches and politicians found themselves with something to say. The singing of the Nationalhymne,
Austria v Germany: A chance to silence the doubters
After the disappointing semi-final defeat to Italy at Euro 2012 and the rather insipid 3-1 friendly defeat at the hands of Argentina in August, Joachim Löw’s side would get back to winning ways with a 3-0 win in their opening
Germany v Faroe Islands: Schmelzer to start?
As the Mannschaft take their first steps on the road to Brazil 2014, here we are with our first short pre-match team news bulletin. Usually Nationaltrainer Jogi Löw springs the odd surprise just prior to a match, but this time