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September 11th, 2009 | by: Nick | View Comments

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