Win and score as many goals as possible. That’s Germany’s mission against South Korea on Wednesday afternoon in Kazan.
What a way to turn things around in a heart bit! A short combo with Reus to move the ball a few centimeters further forward gave Toni Kroos the angle he wanted and gave Germany a moment to rejoice. The defending champions were sparred from embarrassment and go into the encounter against South Korea with renewed confidence, seeking to destroy.
The Koreans are out after the loss to Mexico. Nothing to play for will give them freedom, but it’ll also make it easier for Joachim Low’s men to face them. There’s a huge discrepancy in mindset, quality and physical attributes here. Writing about how this could turn out to be a more difficult game for the Germans than everybody anticipates, or how the Koreans are underrated would be fake news. The reality is very simple. Die Mannschaft are stronger, better and relieved, which means victory is a lock. To make matters worse for South Korea, Germany will be looking to improve its goal difference as well.
Joachim Low waited until he had no choice but to insert Mario Gomez into the lineup. It happened at half-time against Sweden and hopefully it made him finally realize that Gomez’s presence opens up space, space that Germany desperately needs considering the style of play the coach dictates. Moving Thomas Muller back in the middle as a second striker worked much better than positioning him on the wing where his passing abilities go to waste. Gomez’s introduction pushed Timo Werner back to his more natural role as a winger and the Leipzig forward also thrived. Julian Brandt is another player who deserves much more playing time. He has shown more promise in his short spells on the pitch than Julian Draxler has shown in his two starts.
Jerome Boateng’s red card means that Mats Hummels regains his spot in the starting lineup next to Antonio Rudiger, at least temporarily. Germany’s defense is an aspect of their game which gets lost because all the intention the attacking problems are receiving. Their forwards are too talented, so those attacking problems will be solved. The defensive vulnerability is a whole different issue. It’s worrisome how many mistakes have been made in the first two matches and how easily opponents have got into scoring positions. South Korea is not a team that can take advantage of that problem, but another team will.
Heading into this contest, Germany is the absolute favorite not only to win, but win by at least two or three goals. If Mexico wants to stay on top, it mustn’t lose to Sweden.
Odds
South Korea 15
Draw 6.5
Germany 1.2
