Loew's choice of Mustafi seems reasonable. After all, his performance in La Liga attracted the attention of many giants, and he also participated in the World Cup in Brazil. Two years ago, Royce's injury made Mustafi lucky to go to Brazil at the last minute, and he also got a chance to play. But the problem is that Mustafi didn't play for a minute in the last two warm-up matches, and his personal condition and cooperation with his teammates are still unknown. The day before the game, Rudiger, who missed the European Cup due to injury, had undergone surgery.
Loew believes that although there are some twists and turns in defense, every player will be very aware of his responsibilities. Regarding the topic of three defenders or four defenders, Loew thinks it is not important at all, because the flexibility of tactical formation is an important feature of today's German team, and it can also be changed between different defensive formations in the game. Indeed, more and more teams in the Bundesliga can control the formation of three guards and four guards at the same time, which also laid the foundation for the tactical changes of the national team.
Loew chose Neuer as the captain of this game, perhaps to encourage the German national team with a wide range of activities to lead the defense better. However, the defensive problem of Germany's long-range shooting outside the restricted area exposed in the warm-up match has not improved. Kono Preca's long-range shot was saved by Neuer in the first five minutes, and the German team lacked protection in front of the penalty area. Boateng, as the core of the backcourt, was short of accuracy in several long passes after the opening.
But Mustafi repaid Loew's trust with practical actions in the first19th minute. His first goal in the national team put Germany in the lead. However, it must be admitted that another weakness exposed by the German team in the warm-up match is the defense of set pieces, which has not been solved. And there are new problems, although this is not a new topic: knowing that Ukraine's quick counterattack is sharp, the German team failed to limit it well, and Cross often came back to participate in defense, but it affected the control of the midfield. If it hadn't been for boateng's clearance, Neuer's brave performance and the Ukrainian's poor grasp of the opportunity, the German team would have conceded the goal in the first half.
Another point that the German defense needs to criticize in this campaign is that the ability to assist on the side is not enough. Hector made several attempts in the opening stage. It's a pity to catch up with Muller's bad right foot in the penalty area, but Hewedes did nothing on offense, which made people miss Ram who had retired from the national team. He also expressed his blessing to the German team through the social network platform on the day of the competition. Until Ukraine's physical fitness declined in the second half, Germany's defense was finally not as embarrassing as the last stage of the first half. However, Mustafi's last-minute header almost compensated him.
Of course, it is doubtful that this line of defense can stick to Takuya. After completing all the personal training, Hummels not only went to Lille with the team on Saturday, but also returned to the training ground for the first time. Loew believes that Hummels will return to the team this week. The latter was relaxed and took the initiative to meet the fans' signature photo requirements before the game against Ukraine. Jonathan Tower also came to Lille with the team, and Loew also hoped that he would be ready to play this week. Will Germany's defense crisis usher in a bright future? I'm afraid it's too early to draw a conclusion.