The DFB squad basically sucked again, beating a crap Israel 2-0.
Germany dominated from start to finish, but wasted several chances to ring up some goals. For the most part they attacked, but in general were to static and seemingly unmotivated. Coach Joachim Löw had most of his starters available, only Schweinsteiger was out with injury.
Wasting chances, it wasn’t until close to halftime that Germany took the lead. The crowd was getting somewhat impatient, and whistling was beginning to make appearances. The second half was more of the same, although perhaps Israel went forward a bit more forcefully. Andreas Schürrle got some recognition for his nice goal. Overall, if Germany had taken this match more to heart, they should have won about 6-0.
The Israelis were pretty inept and harmless in attack, so the chaotic defense against Switzerland wasn’t tested (even with regulars like captain Philipp Lahm and Holger Badstuber back in the lineup, it’s not clear if the defense would have been solid against threats.) Löw plays favorites (or is very loyal), so he prefers Per Mertesacker in the middle over Matts Hummels. Mertesacker is somewhat shaky these days. His lack of pace certainly has burned him in the EPL, but of course the German style is not to run around aimlessly like a chicken with it’s head cut off, so perhaps that’s not a problem. He does fit more in Löw’s preferred style of the central defenders getting the ball quickly to the midfielders (and why not? Germany’s midfield is pretty darn good). Hummel’s has more playmaking skills, but that’s not what is going to asked of him. The other area is the flank opposite Lahm. The captain can play either side, but nobody has stepped up to match him.
The attack seems to waste a lot of opportunities, but once again, given that this was a friendly, you can’t read too much in it.
Germany opens up their Euro2012 group stage next Saturday (9th) against Portugal, which should be a severe test.
Germany - Israel 2:0 (1:0) Attendance: 43,241 (Red-Bull Arena, Leipzig) 1:0 Gomez (40., T. Müller) 2:0 Schürrle (82., Özil) GERMANY: Neuer - Boateng, Mertesacker, Badstuber, Lahm - Khedira, Kroos - T. Müller, Özil, Podolski - Gomez Subs: 67. Schürrle for Podolski 67. Klose for Gomez 83. Reus for T. Müller 86. M. Götze for Kroos 88. L. Bender for Khedira Trainer: Löw ISRAEL: Harosh - Shpungin, Tibi, Ben Haim, Gershon - Natcho, Yadin - Benayoun, Zahavi, Melikson - Shechter Subs: 46. Refaelov for Melikson 46. Vermouth for Benayoun 46. Damari for Shechter 67. Sahar for Zahavi 73. Biton for Natcho 86. Tzedek for Yadin Trainer: Gutman