After the semi-final failure at Euro 2012, a disappointing friendly home defeat to Argentina and two fairly insipid and uninspired performances in September in their opening two World Cup qualifying matches, Nationaltrainer Joachim Löw found himself under pressure for what
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
Ireland and Sweden: Squad News
The last month has just flown by, and the next World Cup qualifying round is upon us. Last month the Nationalmannschaft picked up maximum points against the Faroe Islands and Austria, but this week’s double-header promises to be far more
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
Groundhog Day in Vienna
There are no surprises from German Nationaltrainer Joachim Löw this time, as the team is pretty much as we all expected. The fit-again Marcel Schmelzer is in at left back with Holger Badstuber moving back inside and Per Mertesacker on
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: Match Analysis and Player Ratings
The 2014 World Cup campaign is finally underway, with the Mannschaft earning a 3-0 victory over a brave but ultimately limited Faroe Islands side in Hannover. It would be a case of business as usual for Joachim Löw’s side
No Schmelzer, but plenty of surprises
So, no Marcel Schmelzer after all… He’s officially unfit to start, we’re told. Per Mertesacker is back into the starting eleven, with Holger Badstuber shunted out to the left as skipper Philipp Lahm starts in his favourite right-back position. Oh,
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
World Cup Qualifiers: Squad News
So, it’s time for the start of the long road to Brazil, and the first World Cup Qualifiers against the Faroe Islands in Hannover (7th September) followed by a short trip across the border to Austria (11th September) – two