Thursday 15 August 2013

German national side not convincing in match against Paraguay

Jochen Low's German national side (DFB Team)  was not convincing in its friendly against Paraguay, a side that is last in its World Cup 2014 qualifying group.  The match revealed major flaws in Germany's defence. 

After a short practice session in Mainz, the DFB Team matched their skills in Kaiserslautern against a South American side that was not about to take a backseat to the Germans.  Within 15 minutes Paraguay took the lead with goals by Ariel Nunez (9th) und Wilson Pittoni (13th).  The goals revealed major flaws in the German defence.  

Ilkay Gündogan narrowed the score to 2-1 in the 18th minute and when Thomas Mueller got the equalizer in the 31st, it appeared as if Germany had recovered.   Paraguay scored a spoiler at 45+1 when Samudio scored the third goal for the South Americans and Paraguay went into the break with a 3-2 lead.

The only goal is credited to Lars Bender in the 75th minute, permitting the DFB Team to save faith with a 3-3. 

Jochen Low knows that he has a lot of work to do if Germany is to continue its unbeaten streak in World Cup 2014 qualification.   Low  commented on the game:

"We made basic mistakes in the first half.  Our defensive play was sloby and we gave the opponent too much room.  We made indivdual errors, but it was also clear that for some the league is still on its break.  We will certainly not play this way against Austria, we will improve our performance.  I foresee an intense competition for spots on the World Cup side."
Germany's world class keeper, Manuel Neuer, who seldom collects three goals, also said:

"We know that defensively nothing worked.  Those were clearly our mistakes, although in the second half it was better.  I believe that today was a shot across the bow and just in time.  We cannot play in this manner against Austria."

The German side has collect seven goals in the last two games.  The first was a loss against Juergen Klinnsman's US Men's National Team and this one.  Germany plays its World Cup 2014 qualifying match against Austria on September 6th. 

DFB Team Line Up:  Neuer - Lahm, Mertelsacker , Hummels, Schmelzer - Khedira, Gündogan - Müller, Özil, Reus  - Klose

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