2018 will forever be etched in German football history as a year of unprecedented setbacks. From a shocking World Cup group-stage exit to Nations League relegation, Joachim Löw’s once-dominant side faced a crisis of identity. At Baji999, we delve deep into the tactical collapses, player controversies, and what lies ahead for Die Mannschaft.
The Unraveling of a Football Giant
Germany entered 2018 as reigning World Cup champions and Confederations Cup winners, riding a 22-game unbeaten streak. Yet, cracks emerged early. March friendlies saw them struggle against Spain and suffer a 1-0 loss to Brazil—a foreshadowing of the chaos to come.
World Cup Disaster: A Tactical Post-Mortem
Löw’s decision to exclude Leroy Sané sparked debate, but the real shock came on the pitch. A 1-0 defeat to Mexico exposed Germany’s lethargic buildup play. While Toni Kroos’ last-gasp free-kick against Sweden offered temporary hope, a 2-0 loss to South Korea sealed their fate—marking the first time since 1938 that Germany crashed out in the group stage.
The Özil Saga: Racism Allegations and Fallout
Mesut Özil’s retirement intensified the turmoil. The playmaker accused the DFB of racism after backlash over his meeting with Turkish President Erdogan. His explosive statement—”I no longer feel wanted in this team”—divided fans and exposed deeper cultural tensions within German football.
Özil’s departure left a creative void and a fractured relationship with the DFB.
Nations League Relegation: Rock Bottom
The humiliation didn’t end in Russia. Germany’s 3-0 thrashing by the Netherlands in October confirmed their relegation from UEFA’s top tier—a first in their history. A late collapse in the reverse fixture (2-2) summed up their year: moments of promise undone by defensive fragility.
Euro 2020 Qualifiers: A Daunting Path Ahead
With a Pot 2 seeding likely, Germany could face titans like France or Belgium in qualifying. Löw’s task? Rebuild trust and integrate youth (e.g., Kai Havertz, Joshua Kimmich) while phasing out underperforming veterans.
Key Takeaways from Baji999
- Tactical Stagnation: Löw’s rigid 4-2-3-1 was exploited. Modernizing the system is critical.
- Leadership Vacuum: Philipp Lahm’s retirement left a void; Manuel Neuer’s injuries compounded the issue.
- Youth Integration: Sané’s resurgence and Serge Gnabry’s emergence offer hope.
The Road to Redemption
Germany’s 2018 serves as a wake-up call. For Baji999, the focus now is on whether Löw can adapt—or if a new era requires fresh leadership. One thing’s certain: the road back to the top will be long.
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