During past qualification campaigns, German teams used to grind out unspectacular results against mediocre countries, writes Juergen Schmieder. Wednesday’s exciting 3-3 draw in Finland was a reflection of the changed times — no one knows what to expect from the Germans any more.
“Against clearly weaker teams like Poland [Euro 2008] or Belgium [first friendly after Euro 2008], the team can win superbly,” says Schmieder. “Against strong opponents there can even be…formidable victories, like in the Euro quarterfinal against Portugal. But the Finland game was the logical continuation of something else we discovered at the European Championships — if the team doesn’t hit its best form, it runs into problems against teams like a weakened Turkey, it loses to Croatia, and it has no chance against a world-class opponent like Spain.”
It’s hard to know if you should praise the team for its attacking spirit, or criticize it for poor defense and concentration, he adds. Coach Joachim Loew said afterwards: “I saw a hugely attacking game, a game with massive momentum. I am absolutely satisfied.” Looked at that way, says Schmieder “I suppose you have to be satisfied with a draw against Finland.”
But Germany has too many talented players right now to be happy with under-achievement. Currently lacking the stability to beat average opponents, the team remains “the chocolate box of international soccer: you never know what you’ll get out of it.”