Germany vs Ukraine - preview

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- Latest events

GERMANY

·         Qualification was very lackluster and the Germans continued the preparation for the Euro varying between normality and shocking exibitions. You’d feel Germany will be better when it counts, but it’s been underwhelming so far.

·         Lahm is being missed, as it’s now very clear he was the glue that united this solid group that now lacks a leader, and seems to play with such over-confidence, it hurts them.   

·         Strikerless or with Gómez, sometimes the German game can get too predictable and easier to avoid, but they still have a great squad in names and will want to begin strongly.

UKRAINE

·         Ukraine was one of the teams that impressed in preparation, confirming that this new generation of attacking players can give them something more than Shevchenko’s.   

·         On the flipside, Pyatov was appalling against Romania and the defense is still very positional and has trouble dealing with speedy forwards.     

·         They will have a difficult time against Germany if the midfield does not do their job in pressing the German creators in Ozil and Kroos.    

- Expected Lineups

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- Areas to follow

GERMANY

·         Defense

Lahm retiring from the national team created several troubles for Germany. Not only the little man was the captain and leader, his versatility was invaluable, as he could play full back in both sides and as holding midfielder. Now it’s a big question who’s going to be the right-back, with Hummels and Boateng starting the partnership they’ll like create at Bayern.

·         Midfield

It’s an experienced, winning midfield, with Ozil being the brain that muscle Khedira and nerves Kroos hold together. A lot of short passing, a lot of movement, with Muller and Draxler getting involved from the wings, looking to keep going forward and scoring a goal. The signs in the friendlies weren’t brilliant, Germany did not seem as lethal, so more commitment is required.   

·         Attack

You can’t help but wonder “what if Lewandowski was German?” -  It would be a good exercise, but not for Joachim Low that needs to find a solution for German problems that started in Brazil still. If you remember, they had troubles scoring thorough the competition, until they had magical night in Maracana. It’s either Gómez, Gotze or Schurrle, and all of them have quality but lack finishing prowess.

             

UKRAINE

·            Defense

Clearly the weak spot of this Ukrainian side, they’re going to have a game where they’ll be tested constantly. It will require them to get strengths they never thought it would be possible, as they’ll deal with the German powerhouses bombing forward and they can hurt you if you don’t focus enough.

·             Midfield

 It’s likely that Kovalenko should be rested for a more powerful midfielding area, to be able to stop Kroos and Ozil picking up their advanced forwards. Konoplyanka and Yarmolenko play a crucial role in this game, as it will be required a much bigger defensive commitment of them than usual. It’s not something the wingers are comfortable in, but it’s absolutely crucial that they do.    

·             Attack

Zozulya is a powerful striker the Germans would love to have. He holds the ball extremely well, patiently waiting for his teammates to follow the ball movement and help him up front. He’s going to be extra precise in his movements today, as often he’ll be in an island of Maanschaft defenders, but he’ll make them sweat.     

- FIL’S VERDICT

 There are many, many doubts if Germany will be capable to repeat the exhibitions that lead them to title in Brazil. Or even the results, as they didn’t produce that many magic moments, apart from the one that will be remember forever.

 Ukraine gets here without any expectation of massive glory, but they have quality players that, in a good day, can create an upset. It will have to be a very solidary and compact team, defending together and being quick to go on counter, with Yarmolenko and Konoplyanka looking to take advantage of the weakness at the full backs Germany faces.

 Germany are stronger, more experienced, and will probably end up with the win in this opening match, but if anyone is expecting another 1-7, forget it. This Germany is flawed and will have to be at their best to beat Ukraine.

 

FIL’S PREDICTION

GERMANY 2-1 UKRAINE