Opinion: What striker problem?
June 16, 2014
What journalists and professionals said in advance of the World Cup was puzzling. It was widely discussed, with people criticizing the national coach because he nominated just one "out-and-out striker" in Mirsolav Klose, opting to take neither Mario Gomez nor Kevin Volland to Brazil. At times, therefore, Germany would need to rely on a so-called "false nine," on an attacking player - but not a striker - leading their line.
"Our attacking midfielders and forwards will be able to handle it," the optimists said. "Who's supposed to score the goals," the pessimists asked. Since the opening game against Portugal all questions have been answered: Thomas Müller, who else?
Two of Müller's strikes were classic poacher's goals in the thick of the penalty area action; the 2010 Golden Boot winner converted the other from the penalty spot.
"Three goals in one game really is something marvelous. Each one was more beautiful than the last," the striker gushed after the game.
Who needs a "false nine," when Germany seem to have a real one? Whenever the ball reached the Portuguese danger zone, no matter who had delivered it, Müller was in the right spot, ready to bury the ball - unorthodox, simple, and without overthinking the situation. Rather like his namesake, German World Cup legend Gerd Müller!
Strong team performance
But, one thing is clear: without his team mates, Müller wouldn't have been able to score three goals. In spite of all the pre-match pessimism, the German team delivered an exemplary opening performance. The new-look defensive line with Mats Hummels, Per Mertesacker, Jerome Boateng and Benedikt Höwedes assisted in attack as well. In the midfield, the ball circulated neatly between Toni Kroos, Philipp Lahm, Sami Khedira, Mario Götze and the often criticized Mesut Özil: and then, front and center, stood Thomas Müller.
The victory against Portugal is also a success for the national coach - his tactics worked. Joachim Löw was able to keep his cool, even as criticism against him grew following the two friendlies against Cameroon and Armenia. His idea of a successful tournament team has delivered - at least so far. The first and probably the most difficult Group G opponents have been swept aside without any problems. Let's have some more of the same: seeing as Germany does have a "true" nine up top after all, just maybe they can get all the way to the final in Rio!