For the friendly matches against Chile (Köln) and the Ivory Coast (Gelsenkirchen) Löw has nominated the England prospect Aaron Hunt, the mercurial Thomas Müller, the Bundesliga topscorer Stefan Kießling, and of course the ever present Thomas Hitzlsperger.

Overall this is a good selection, but one wonders why a player like Hitzlsperger merits a call up when he as captain of his club was benched because of his form? Also adding to this questionable selection are his fellow Stuttgart teammates Cacau and Sedar Tasci who were likely not picked at the last moment because of injury.

Unfortunately, injury has also sidelined Simon Rolfes, Torsten Frings, and Sami Khedira. One wonders still why Benedikt Höwedes nor Mats Hummels have not been selected despite the obvious sore lack of quality in central defense. There are also other players who deserve a dishonorable mention concerning their nominations chiefly the misfiring Mario Gomez, but let’s focus on the positives…

Tor

Rene Adler (Bayer Leverkusen), Manuel Neuer (FC Schalke 04), Tim Wiese (Werder Bremen)

Abwehr

Andreas Beck (TSG Hoffenheim), Jerome Boateng (Hamburger SV), Arne Friedrich (Hertha BSC Berlin), Philipp Lahm (FC Bayern München), Per Mertesacker (Werder Bremen), Marcel Schäfer (VfL Wolfsburg), Heiko Westermann (FC Schalke 04)

Mittelfeld

Michael Ballack (FC Chelsea), Christian Gentner (VfL Wolfsburg), Thomas Hitzlsperger (VfB Stuttgart), Aaron Hunt (Werder Bremen), Marko Marin (Werder Bremen), Thomas Müller (FC Bayern München), Mesut Özil (Werder Bremen), Bastian Schweinsteiger (FC Bayern München), Piotr Trochowski (Hamburger SV)

Angriff

Mario Gomez (FC Bayern München), Stefan Kießling (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Miroslav Klose (FC Bayern München), Lukas Podolski (1. FC Köln)

Wins against South Africa and Azerbaijan were expected this past international week. What wasn’t were the positive signals that Germany is gaining momentum ahead of the World Cup. Still there are persisting questions regarding the Nationalmannschaft ahead of the crucial game in Moscow against Russia. For now let’s explore the winners and losers of this past week.

Joachim Löw : Vindicated. Löw has taken quite a bit of criticism lately from the media about his selection methods and tactical abilities. He responded by starting a surprisingly refreshing lineup in a hybrid 4-5-1/4-3-3 system against South Africa. He followed up with some influential substitutions against (ranked 139TH and later down to 10-men) Azerbaijan, which arguably turned the game around. The verdict on his abilities as Bundestrainer is still out there, but Germany has finally returned to playing the football necessary to compete on the world stage.

Mesut Özil : Superstar. The game against South Africa was probably the only chance Özil had to make his case and shine for 2010. At such a young age it’s extremely difficult to perform on demand – just ask Sebastian Deisler. Özil has thus far thrived on the pressure and has seized the opportunity well. In fact, he might have already secured himself a permanent starting position on the German team for the World Cup. Özil crafted a man-of-the-match performance against South Africa and followed it up with a quieter effective game against Azerbaijan. The future is bright for this Gelsenkirchener and the plaudits are already flowing in from far and wide. Michael Ballack even predicts Özil as his successor one day. Germany has been sorely lacking a player like Özil and it is a relief that he has finally arrived in style.

Michael Ballack : Still Capitano. Say what you will about Ballack, but he remains the undisputed leader of the German team. Özil lauded Ballack for commanding him on the field, and indeed it was Ballack who worked with Löw to craft the new midfield system. Although contemplating retirement after the World Cup, Ballack’s experience and guidance are instrumental for Germany’s success through 2010.

René Adler : Ready. Adler was not really troubled against South Africa and was again not really tested against Azerbaijan. Nonetheless, his split second reactions to the few dangerous situations in both games may well have saved Germany’s blushes. With Robert Enke now sick at the worst time Adler looks to be on against Russia come October.

Phillip Lahm : Don’t Know What’s Good For Him. It’s plain to see that since moving to the right side of defense Lahm has been less spectacular going forward. Löw must be congratulated for forcing Lahm back into the left against Azerbaijan as it instantly paid dividends resulting in a goal.

Miroslav Klose : Level With Klinsmann. He might have been sitting on the bench at Bayern. He might have been goalless for the season. Yet the fact remains, Klose is the most clinical striker we currently have. Even though he is still not 100% fit, he has through his brace against Azerbaijan shown that his class is permanent. He is now level with his former trainers Jürgen Klinsmann and Rudi Völler in the all-time German international scoring list. Klose continues to show up when called upon and Löw has made the right decision by sticking with him.

Heiko Westermann : Please No. Westermann for better or worse looks to be present in central defense for the game in Moscow. He was (for once) solid in defense (against Azerbaijan only). With Arne Friedrich perennially injured and Sedar Tasci always making the occasional slip-up Westermann looks to be the better choice – at least until Jérôme Boateng can be integrated. Westermann better put up a good performance against Russia or the blame for missing the automatic qualification will likely rest on his shoulders. Let’s not forget that it was his abject defending against Finland that Germany is still not qualified.

Andreas Beck : Replacing Lahm. Beck has no doubt benefited from the relatively poor form of Marcel Schäfer at LB. This means Lahm will take the left while Beck will start against Russia on the right.

Marcel Schäfer : Does He Play Better On The Right? Schäfer has not lived up to his billing as the future Phillip Lahm. After two games starting on the left he has contributed very little going forward and looked ineffective in defense. Lahm had to displace him against Azerbaijan and the difference told. He might even be behind Marcell Jansen at this point.

Bastian Schweinsteiger : Lost. Schweini has been out of shape lately for the national team. Poor positioning, misplaced passes, and slow reaction has plagued the young veteran. Löw’s erroneous indecision about whether Schweini is a winger or a defensive midfielder is not helping his current form. (He is neither.) Nonetheless, who else is going to pummel Portugal should the need arise? Best wishes to a speedy recovery.

Mario Gomez : Definitely Not Inzaghi. Gomez has had a brief spell of luck lately. He has scored in all of his recent games despite all being sitters. Unfortunately, sitters don’t happen too often and he doesn’t score enough of those either to erase the disappointed expression on his face he has had since 2008. He wasn’t bad versus Azerbaijan and Germany do not have a better target man, but he is second to Klose if not third to Poldi. Indeed, Gomez must have felt mighty mixed up after Klose was so clinical – as it might also mean bench time for Mario at Bayern.

Berti Vogts : For Old Times. Azerbaijan are now at the bottom of the Group 4 qualification table below Liechtenstein. One can argue that Vogts hasn’t had enough time with the Azerbaijani players, that he only has 200 players to choose from, and that his team have been unlucky to not have scored more than their one and only goal against Finland. Maybe Vogts just isn’t such a great coach? He was fired by both Scotland and Nigeria. Furthermore, it was under him that the current German football crisis developed. With all the great German players at his disposal he only managed one title, but at least three embarrassingly clueless loses. Perhaps, he can redeem himself by springing a surprise on Russia when they meet in Baku.

Russia : Winning But Not 100% Either. The way Russia has been playing recently leaves plenty to be desired. Two mediocre performances against Liechtenstein and a sigh of relief against a young Wales does not make a threatening impression. Nonetheless, Russia has many advantages going into the October blockbuster. They have a wealth of gifted players, arguably the best modern football coach, home support, and familiarity with Fieldturf. Indeed, Russia looks formidable in Moscow, but the pressure is clearly on them. If Russia do not win against Germany, then for all intents and purposes Germany is qualified outright or on goal difference. Should Germany go ahead in Moscow and do not fall asleep Russia will be frantic in front of their fans.

Germany can relax a bit more and can even afford a draw, but there is still much to do at home before the game on October 10TH.

Friendly Highlights

Qualification Highlights

Germany hosts South Africa in Leverkusen for an international friendly on September 5TH before welcoming Azerbaijan for a World Cup qualifier in Hannover on September 8TH. In the meantime there have been rumblings from Michael Ballack about a need for improvement by the nation team in order to seal automatic qualification and to seriously contend at the World Cup.

Yet, ever the optimist, Jogi Löw is of the opinion that Germany will naturally play better in the upcoming matches as the team will be together for 10 consecutive training days (alongside the U-21) and thus bound to show an improvement over the past few drab performances. Here is Löw’s predictable lineup.

Tor: Robert Enke (Hannover 96), Rene Adler (Bayer Leverkusen), Manuel Neuer (Schalke 04)

Abwehr: Arne Friedrich (Hertha BSC Berlin), Philipp Lahm (Bayern München), Per Mertesacker (Werder Bremen), Marcel Schäfer (VfL Wolfsburg), Serdar Tasci (VfB Stuttgart), Heiko Westermann (Schalke 04), Andreas Beck (1899 Hoffenheim)

Mittelfeld: Michael Ballack (FC Chelsea), Christian Gentner (VfL Wolfsburg), Thomas Hitzlsperger (VfB Stuttgart), Marko Marin (Werder Bremen), Sami Khedira (VfB Stuttgart), Mesut Özil (Werder Bremen), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern München), Piotr Trochowski (Hamburger SV), Simon Rolfes (Bayer Leverkusen)

Angriff: Cacau (VfB Stuttgart), Mario Gomez (Bayern München), Miroslav Klose (Bayern München), Lukas Podolski (1. FC Köln)

The notable exceptions in this selection are Marko Marin and Mesut Özil who have recently been on fire at Werder Bremen. Expect the two to combine to play 20 discombobulated minutes off from the substitute bench, whilst Heiko Westermann plays 90 minutes of poor passes and costly blunders in defense.

Löw’s inexplicable decision to keep nominating Westermann pairs well with his curious omission of Stefan Kießling – who has at the start of this Bundesliga season scored 4 goals in 4 matches. Perhaps his omission has something to do with the form of the ever-lucky at club-level only Mario Gomez, the now bench-warming Miro Klose, the recently uninspiring Lukas Podolski, and the even-less prolific Cacau.

In the goalkeeping department Tim Wiese is left out as he pleased. Manuel Neuer has been selected instead to warm the bench. Nonetheless, should Germany win automatic qualification each of the four keepers will get 90 minutes to prove themselves in the November fixtures before Löw plays it safe and selects Robert Enke for 2010.

Germany certainly has the players to be successful in this period of transition, but does Löw have the ability to make tough decisions? If Russia overcomes Wales and defeats Liechtenstein, then the question will soon be answered in Moscow.

2. China completely outran Germany in this game, allowing them to gain both territorial advantages and win many balls. Germany helped to make things easier for China with sloppy and easily interceptable passes and overall sluggishness. The defense again lacked timing and proper organization, which meant Friedrich and Huth were reduced to proving themselves with last ditch rescue attempts, caused by their unorganized defending in the first place.

These are all familiar symptoms actually, so I don’t think you can just blame it all on a long season and a strenuous travel schedule.

3. There is no need for reckless tackles, especially late ones, in a friendly. This one is for Lahm and Podolski, who both got booked for unnecessary fouls.

4. Mario Gomez is now 15 games without a goal for the national team. Jogi Löw didn’t make it easy for him with his 4-2-3-1 formation. Gomez was mostly isolated and received no service from the midfield. Jogi Löw eventually switched to a 4-4-2 formation when he brought on Gomez’ teammate Cacau, which didn’t help Gomez though, as he was the one who had to make room for him.

5. There was no one pulling the strings in midfield. With some senior players absent, it would have been encouraging to see players like Trochowski, Schweinsteiger or Hitzelsperger step up and run the show.

It has been seven years since the national team was last in Asia. The current team manager Oliver Bierhoff was still playing for Germany, Jürgen Klinsmann was still retired in California, Michael Ballack and Miroslav Klose were two young players amongst a relatively unknown German selection, and the only hope for Germany and Bundestrainer Rudi Völler rested on Oliver Kahn. After a dismal qualifying campaign Germany seemed destined to join the ranks of Uruguay, Hungary, and Austria – nations never to regain the form of their glory days on the world stage. To everyone’s surprise Germany reached a record seventh World Cup final against Brazil. The achievement was a result crafted through teamwork and thanks in no small part to the best player and goalkeeper of the tournament Oliver Kahn. When Germany plays China in Shanghai on Saturday, through injury, club commitments, or retirement no other member of the World Cup 2002 team will be there. Kahn will be there like he always has for the national team, this time however, as a representative of FIFA to promote German football in China.

Another well known German in Asia is also along for the trip. Britta Heidemann won the individual gold medal event in Fencing (Épée) during the recent 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Perhaps she is better known abroad for her appearance in a special issue of German Playboy. Of course distracting the national team is not why she is along for the trip. Britta has a special connection with China. She was an exchange student in China some time ago, majors in Chinese, and is fluent in it. Naturally her good looks, knowledge of the territory, and happy demeanor would be assets to any promotional tour in China. Plus, Germany could use this sexy makeover.

Germany (ranked 2) plays China (ranked 97), already out of qualification, in Shanghai on May 30 before traveling to the UAE for a friendly on June 2. You can catch the in team happenings with DFB-TV and also watch Mario Gomez mumble about his recent transfer to FC Bayern.

Tor

Robert Enke ? (Hannover 96), Manuel Neuer (FC Schalke 04)

Abwehr

Arne Friedrich ?? (Hertha BSC Berlin), Andreas Hinkel (Celtic Glasgow), Robert Huth (FC Middlesbrough), Philipp Lahm (FC Bayern München), Marcel Schäfer (VfL Wolfsburg), Christian Träsch (VfB Stuttgart), Heiko Westermann (FC Schalke 04)

Mittelfeld

Christian Gentner (VfL Wolfsburg), Thomas Hitzlsperger (VfB Stuttgart), Marcell Jansen (Hamburger SV), Bastian Schweinsteiger (FC Bayern München), Piotr Trochowski (Hamburger SV), Tobias Weis (1899 Hoffenheim)

Angriff

Cacau (VfB Stuttgart), Mario Gomez (VfB Stuttgart), Lukas Podolski (FC Bayern München)

My guess is – unless Löw got creative for once…

Enke/Neuer
Hinkel/Träsch – Friedrich – Huth/Träsch – Lahm/Schäfer
Weis – Schweni – Hitzlsperger – Jansen/Troche/Gentner
Gomez, Podolski/Cacau

More on the tour and who else is going later this week…

Germany will not be in World Cup Qualifier action until late August. In the meantime the DFB has prepared an Asia promotional tour for the end of May and early June.

Since Werder Bremen and Bayer Leverkusen will be contesting the DFB Cup and Chelsea are favorites to win the (English) FA Cup, the National-Elf will be without the services of Michael Ballack, Torsten Frings, Per Mertesacker, Mesut Özil, Patrick Helmes, Simon Rolfes, Tim Wiese, and René Adler. Also, since the U21 EM starts in mid-June, Low is unlikely to select Marko Marin, Manuel Neuer, or any other member of the German U21 team.

The two friendlies against China and the UAE represent a good opportunity to try some new tactics. Also, Löw might opt to test the fitness of players like Miroslav Klose – who has just returned after a prolonged injury. (Mario Gomez coincidentally injured himself so it is unlikely that he will be on the tour.)

As a number of regular veterans and promising youth players are ruled out of the two friendlies in Asia, the tour is perhaps the last chance for fringe players like VfB Stuttgart’s Christian Träsch and naturalized-German Brazilian Cacau to ever feature in the national team. Löw has thus far not made his selection clear, but is adamant that neither Jens Lehmann or Kevin Kuryani will ever be selected again.

I really wonder what is going on in Jogi’s mind. He says things like we will learn from this experience, but then goes on to field his predictable 4-2-2-2. When the Norwegians figured out our system, he went so far as to pretty much do nothing. His style of managing reminds me of FIFA 98, where each half was four-minutes and the tactics only changed when the game was paused. Of course, stopping the game threw off hand-eye coordination. The Germans players are not that unresponsive – they can adapt if prompted (maybe not Westermann).

We obviously needed a tactical change during the game, but Jogi as usual just swapped players and crossed his fingers. What’s more is that the players he selected were wrong. Since it was a friendly there was no point in playing a team of regulars for more than a half. I was surprised Marin and Özil got to play at all. Did Jogi really believe Özil could change things in less than a quarter?

The problem is even deeper than that. The fact is that his system needs to be reworked. The type of players he has now in Marin and Özil are not the same as Hitzlsperger and an-injured Ballack or bruised Frings. Whereas players like Marin cannot maximize their ability in a rigid one-pass video-game formation, players like Hitzlsperger can get burned playing such a fast paced one-touch game – if at all. The formation and play has to be designed around the next-generation, not the already fading one.

The restructuring might have to wait, but at least Jogi should actually use friendly matches more to experiment with formations than to play promotion tours with (frankly crap) teams in Asia. If he had during the game changed into a 4-1-4-1, a 4-1-3-2, or even his recent discovery 4-2-3-1 (at the half) the result would have been different. Even if we had lost worse, we would have gained something more. Who knows I might be wrong. Maybe Jogi has finally learned that Westermann can’t play as centerback. Maybe Jogi will plan ahead next time and get a real centerback like Höwedes.

Now, it’s not all Jogi’s fault.

Adler: Extremely shaky at first and lucky on more than a couple of occasions. He produced at least one superb reaction save and had good positioning. Nonetheless, the jury is still out on who the Number 1 will be for 2010.

Hinkel: Was more effective than Lahm and played with heart. He showed very quick offensive and defensive runs and good ball control. Jogi was right to call him up time and time again, it’s just a shame Jogi has not had the guts to use him over Friedrich.

Mertesacker: Indispensable and made few mistakes. He provided some good through balls and as usual made some great last-minute tackles and recoveries.

Westermann: How many goals does it take for Jogi to realize that Westermann is no good as a centerback? I am all for player development, but clearly we have other options. Watching Westermann play is a fright. He was culpable of losing the ball, hesitating, and naturally caught sitting during the goal. It’s time he is benched or played someplace where he actually normally plays. Centerback is too important a position to have someone who cannot be trusted.

Lahm: It’s one of those days. Lahm was not up to his usual standards. Save for a classic run and shot from the left, he had a relatively quiet game. Maybe it’s time Jogi gave him a well deserved rest and played someone like Schäfer? Admittedly neither would be much use in dealing with high-crosses into the box, thus all the more reason we need a dependable centerback.

Frings: Not horrible and not brilliant. He had a poor first quarter, but afterward distributed the ball all right. Nonetheless, his lack of pace showed and did not help our scoring opportunities. This might be his last call.

Ballack: OK. Despite everything we still need Ballack. He gave an effort, distributed the ball, and was generally present at least for the first-half. He may want to work on set-pieces along with the rest of the team though.

Schweni: Good not great. He played a very good possession game, caused trouble on the right, and was dangerous in front of goal. When he was forced to overtake Frings’ role he was more subdued, but still present.

Trochowski: Silent through most of the game. He should have been replaced at halftime or placed on the opposite flank later on. He did make some crosses and had a good shot blocked.

Gomez: Whistled off the pitch. Below the frustration I actually felt sorry for him. He just seems unable to score. He was incorrectly adjudged offside more than once and presented a few windows of opportunity. Still he simply isn’t world class yet or so we keep telling ourselves.

Klose: I am sorry did he play today? Made one good pass and left the rest of his form back at Bayern. Then again we don’t have Ribery do we?

Helmes & Kiessling: Both substituted on with little impact. I guess there was not much they could have done, though sticking the ball in the back of the net might have helped.

Marin & Özil: As it turns out we do have Ribery type players or at least Messi like ones! Now, if they had been allowed to play from the start or at least a half, the score-line would have been very different.

Beck: Good, but not any better than Hinkel. Despite the glowing reviews, Beck was clearly caught watching during the goal. He failed to communicate with Marin at times, but by that point the German team was frantic. Nonetheless, it is good to know we now have a quicker alternative to Friedrich. Our rightback problem may be solved. Who knows, we might also have solved our centerback problem. Friedrich can play as centerback. Hold on, my mistake, that is Westermann’s guaranteed spot!

In conclusion, we need to find a cure to this chronic illness of poor form. It appears to be a psychological problem and thus, be it Ballack or Jogi, someone needs to motivate the team throughout the game. After all this is not FIFA 98 – players are human and I am not Bundestrainer.

Germany faces Norway on Wednesday (20:45) for an international friendly. Löw has selected newcomers Andreas Beck and Mesut Özil. Both Michael Ballack and Torsten Frings are also called up. However, both Lukas Podolski and Robert Enke are omitted due to lack of recent playing time and injury. Arne Friedrich, although in the original lineup, is injured and will miss the fixture.

Overall the lineup is a promising selection by Löw.

Özil, a third-generation German of Turkish origin, is now officially with the DFB. He announced this week of his desire to play for the Germany senior-side over his earlier selection by Turkey. As shown by his performances for the German U-21 and Werder Bremen, Özil is a very talented player who will undoubtedly augment an ever formidable, dynamic, and mobile German midfield.

Beck’s nomination is a potential solution to the lack of an attack-oriented defensively-stable right-back. His play for Hoffenheim shows that he is a viable alternative for initiating an attack to an overworked Phillip Lahm. Although Arne Friedrich usually plays RB under the national team, his skills as a reliable defender are better used as a center-back; a position which he usually plays at Hertha Berlin.

Both Ballack and Frings are back after the media-row. The 2006 midfield staples are now aging and need to be in top-form (and low media-profile) if they are to make a meaningful contribution to the 2010 effort.

Enke has recovered from injury, but was not selected due to lack of match practice. Tim Wiese is not exactly the most dependable backup goalkeeper, but his performance against England merits his selection. Besides, if Löw takes Manuel Neuer what does the U-21 have left?

It is good to see an out-of-form Podolski not selected and an in-form Stefan Kießling given another chance. On the other hand, Löw has failed to recall Marcel Schäfer despite his extremely promising debut against England. Instead Löw has nominated an ever present and mediocre Thomas Hitzlsperger. Sami Khedira, Hitzlsperger teammate at VfB Stuttgart, would have been a better choice, but the Özil nomination was much more important. For some reason also, Andreas Hinkel is back. Apparently Hinkel’s play must inspire something or at least be less abysmal than Clemens Fritz’s.

Lineup

Goalkeepers: Rene Adler (Bayer Leverkusen), Tim Wiese (Werder Bremen)

Defenders: Andreas Beck (Hoffenheim), Arne Friedrich (Hertha Berlin), Andreas Hinkel (Celtic), Philipp Lahm (Bayern), Per Mertesacker (Werder Bremen), Serdar Tasci (Stuttgart), Heiko Westermann (Schalke)

Midfielders: Michael Ballack (Chelsea), Torsten Frings (Werder Bremen), Thomas Hitzlsperger (Stuttgart), Marko Marin (Borussia Monchengladbach), Mesut Özil (Werder Bremen), Simon Rolfes (Bayer Leverkusen), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern), Piotr Trochowski (Hamburg)

Attackers: Mario Gomez (Stuttgart), Patrick Helmes (Bayer Leverkusen), Stefan Kießling (Bayer Leverkusen), Miroslav Klose (Bayern)

Formation

Adler
Tasci (Beck) – Mertesacker – Westermann – Lahm
Frings (Hitzlsperger) – Rolfes
Schweinsteiger – Ballack (Özil)
Klose (Gomez) – Helmes (Kießling)

Knowing Löw, he will start with his conservative 4-2-2-2 lineup and make few changes except throw on some different strikers and maybe Hitzlsperger if he’s not already starting. Maybe he’ll give Beck or Marin (just one of them) and Özil more than fifteen minutes though I seriously doubt it. Westermann is guaranteed at center-back and more likely than not gift Norway a goal.

Better Formation

Adler
Beck (Hinkel / Westermann) – Mertesacker – Tasci – Lahm (Schäfer)
Frings (Rolfes)
Marin – Ballack (Schweni) – Özil – Trochowski
Helmes (Gomez / Kießling)

I would prefer we try a (4-1-3-1). Although we need a better holding midfielder and it would be hard to decide between the four forwards for the lone striker position, it would give a trial to the new midfielders and the defense as well. Beck should start and Hinkel should be used for once after so many nominations. Westermann should just sit down and not make any horrible mistakes at the center-back position that Löw starts him in every time. With Friedrich injured and his guaranteed spot on the right opened to Beck, Löw should call up Schäfer and give Lahm a break. Frings is due a trial since he has been making so much noise and be seated immediately at halftime. Rolfes needs a good run, but in reality we need to find a real defensive midfielder for the future. Someone like what Dietmar Hamann was to Liverpool in 2005. Marin and Özil need to be given at least a half and Ballack should start to give the team some coherence. Maybe Gomez can come on and break his duck! Then again…