K League Coach World Cup Scout Report: Germany

Despite two consecutive losses Korea still have a chance of qualifying for the next round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. Whilst Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Mexico was damaging, certainly for morale, the Taeguk Warrors still have the slenderest of chances of advancing. The permutations are thus: if Korea beat Germany by scoring two goals and if Mexico beat Sweden, Shin Tae-yong's team will advance to the Round of 16 as group runners up behind Mexico. The K League Coach offers his insights into how the Red Devils can do just that with a comprehensive scouting report of Die Mannschaft.
(Image via Action Images)

Tactical Approach

German will line up in a 4-2-3-1. Though on occasions during qualifying they switched to a back three, this was in games where they expected to face an opponent sitting in their own box hoping to keep the score as low as possible.

German will control the flow of the game from deep, setting up their two centre backs and two defensive midfielders in a box that works to bring the ball out from the back. If they find themselves in any trouble they use Neuer, who is often closer to the halfway line than his goal line when they pin opponents in their own half. Neuer then looks to switch play away from pressure.

Germany will overload the midfield and final thirds by pushing full-backs into advanced positions, on occasion seeing six players in the opponent's final third. They have good rotational movement across the front four and with Werner happy to drift wide, Müller and Reus can take up central positions in what can be a fluid attack.

Predicted Lineup

There have been some changes to the German line up since the opening game of the World Cup, most noticeably the dropping of Özil and Khedira as well as Hummels after the opening game defeat to Mexico. Hummels is reportedly back in full training again and is is likely to return to the team due to Boateng's suspension, however.

Threats

The goal scoring threat from the attacking four players is clear and something Korea will have to certainly been prepared for. Their movement and individual ability means Germany can hope for goals from multiple sources.

Kimmich plays a key role in the German attacks from right-back. His delivery and comfort on the ball can see him offer service from wide areas, but also on occasion drive inside.

The German bench will also be an issue for Korea. Playing their third game there are sure to be tired legs, but Löw will be able to call upon several players just as talented as his starting line up.

Tactically, Korea have had issues getting out of their low defensive positioning, and in large numbers pushing forward as well as their their inability to keep the ball. It is a concern that Korea get may get pinned in and are not able to mount any serious attacks.

Opportunities

Counter attacks from Korea will be aimed at getting into the space left behind Germany's high fullbacks. Both Kimmich and Hector can often be as high as Werner leaving a lot of the field open.

As shown by Mexico, there are opportunities to isolate centre halves in one-on-one situations or even numbers-up situations. Hummels looked uncomfortable with the amount of protection he received during that game so Korea could look for Son or Hwang to try and get at him when countering.

Mexico paid close attention to Kroos, using Carlos Vela to man-mark him and disrupt Germany's rhythm. Sweden decided to play a more zonal based disciplined system to restrict space in the final third. There are two possible options for Shin Tae-yong, but whichever route Korea take it will require 90 minutes of focus and co-ordination from the entire group.