Germany 4-0 Australia: Germany excellent, but quality exaggerated by poor Australian tactics
June 14, 2010

The first-half line-ups
We’ve now seen half of the 32 teams that will be contesting this tournament, and whilst we haven’t yet sampled the three most exciting sides – Holland, Brazil and Spain – it is undeniable that Germany have been by far the most impressive so far.

The starting XIs

Germany lined up as predicted – with an attacking band of three behind Miroslav Klose. In defence Philip Lahm started in the right-back role he’s become used to at Bayern this season, whilst his club teammate Holger Badstuber came in on the left.

Australia sprung a slight surprise in their starting line-up, as they fielded no conventional striker. Instead they played a loose 4-4-2 shape with Tim Cahill just behind Richard Garcia, who tended to drift towards his usual right-wing position.

German brilliance

Firstly, the Germans were fantastic. The technical quality of individuals was remarkable – almost every outfield player comfortable on the ball. Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira passed the ball quickly and intelligently from the centre of midfield, whilst the timing of Lukas Podolski and Thomas Muller’s runs was exceptional. Philip Lahm provided a constant outlet on the right-hand side and Miroslav Klose’s movement upfront dragged the two Australian centre-backs around all game. Most impressive of all was Mesut Ozil, who picked up the ball in a variety of positions, but invariably ended up playing it into a dangerous area.

One has to question the tactics of Pim Verbeek, however. His decision to omit Josh Kennedy, their usual striker, hinted that he would try and pack the midfield with six players, or leave Cahill on his own upfront and get midfield runners supporting him. Instead, the reason Verbeek selected that XI was because he wanted intense pressing from the front of the pitch, with each Australian working hard to close down the Germany players, even when the centre-backs received the ball from Manuel Neuer on the edge of their own area.

The idea was to stop Germany building from the back, but their back four were relatively comfortable even when subjected to pressure from Australia’s forwards and wingers, with Lahm and Arne Freidrich in particular happy to take a touch and play a simple pass sideways, and Germany managed to play their way out of the back quite easily.


Germany's pressing from the front often left Ozil (in red) in space
Not only was the pressing unsuccessful in forcing the German defence into mistakes, it also caused problems further back, in five separate ways.

Why Australia’s pressing failed

Firstly, if you ask your forwards to close down, you need your midfielders to do the same, to prevent an easy ball into midfield. The knock-on effect of this is that your defence then has to play a high line, to prevent players between the lines getting too much time on the ball. Therefore, Lucas Neill and Craig Moore were playing an extremely high defensive line against pacey players like Klose, Podolski and Muller, and it was so easy for Germany to knock the ball through the Australian backline to their forwards rushing onto the ball.


Secondly (on a related note), with Germany playing two direct wingers and three players capable of playing a defence-splitting pass, the high line of the Australian defence meant that the angle of the through-ball between the centre-backs and full-backs, towards an onrushing winger, was very easy. This is an extremely popular ball in modern football (at Barcelona, for example – Inter’s deep line against them in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final made it an impossible pass to play) and Muller and Podolski thrived on it all day.

Thirdly, and most crucially, it’s difficult to press effectively if you have a numerical disadvantage in the centre of midfield, as was the case for Australia in this game. In a straight 4-4-2 v 4-4-2, it’s relatively easy as each player has a direct opponent in front of them to close down. With a 4-4-2 v 4-2-3-1, however, Australia were leaving Germany’s main playmaker with time and space on the ball. Australia’s forwards pressed the centre-backs, their wingers pressed the full-backs – but when the central midfielders did the same to Khedira and Schweinsteiger, it left Ozil free. Or, even if they didn’t press them, it was still Germany’s three creative midfielders up against Australia’s two in the centre of midfield, with the Australian wingers out of the game in a defensive sense. Ozil was allowed the ball, and used it brilliantly.

Fourthly, it “forced” Germany to move the ball swiftly from defence to attack, which played into their hands considering the good technical qualities of their midfielders and the direct nature of their wingers. They were happy to conduct lightning-quick counter-attacks, and the fact Australia were actively attempting to move up the pitch suited Germany perfectly.


After 30-35 minutes, Australia shifted to 4-3-3. This was their second half shape, that matched Germany in the centre of midfield and allowed Australia to get into the game, until Cahill's red card.
Finally, it’s simply not the way to play against Germany. “We always have trouble playing against teams that pack their defence, just as we did against Azerbaijan”, said Philip Lahm after his side could only draw with Finland last October. With this in mind, playing high up the pitch was precisely the opposite strategy of what was required.

Australia switch formation

Australia shifted to 4-3-3 for the final 15 minutes of the first half, and after being briefed on their new instructions by Verbeek at half-time, and with Brett Holman replacing the out-of-sorts Vince Grella, looked like getting more of a hold on the game in the second half. Germany no longer dominated possession because they didn’t have an extra man in the centre of midfield, with Carl Valeri dropping deep to pick up Ozil, who was less visible in the second half.

How effective it would have been in getting Australia back in the match, we shall never know, because it was game over as soon as Cahill was dismissed just before the hour.

Conclusion

Australia were poor both technically and tactically, and the loss of Cahill for the next game against Ghana (at least) is a huge blow. They lacked creativity in wide areas and a natural striker, and barely posed a goal threat aside from set-pieces.

Their lack of quality makes it difficult to judge Germany, but they did look very, very good. They retained the ball in midfield very well but also moved it forward quickly when needed, and the most impressive thing was that the players were all on the same wavelength despite the fact it is a relatively new XI.

They were not tested defensively and the two central midfielders rarely had to track any midfield runs or get tackles in, but each player was composed on the ball and understood their role well. Muller and Podolski worked hard on the flanks and Ozil was given something approaching a free role – drifting deep and to the right, and taking advantage of the fact no-one was picking him up. The next match against Ghana will be a much more rigorous test, but Germany are a fine team.


http://www.zonalmarking.net/2010/06/14/germany-4-0-australia-germany-tactics/#more-3515



Edited by Damo Baresi: 21/6/2010 11:10:42 PM

Finally someone sees it. Well said stefcep. =d> I thought of the blame the foreigner angle too.
Also I would add that Kennedy hasn't set the world on fire in the friendly games. Harry wasn't a certainty to last a full game. Something strange happened with Harry & Bresch in the changerooms before the game. Pim knows what happened & we don't.
Once Cahill irresponsibly got himself sent off there was no point bring Harry on, it was more important to save him for the next two games. putting him on as one of the 10 men, to possibly break down would be bloody stupid.

Pim started with Garcia up front to chase & pressure Germany's defenders, something that Josh isn't cut out to do. Josh is tall but his height advantage aslo was cancelled out by the two tall German centrebacks.

It was the players fault that didn't do their jobs, as you rightly pointed out.

It wasn't 4-4-2. It was 4-2-3-1 with Cahill dropping deep as the striker to make a six man midfield. But to say 4-2-4 suggests that we were attacking instead of terrible.

It was the same routine as always. The same tactic as always. And it will be the same against Ghana, as always. Just with different names on the backs of the shirts.

Totally agree.

Only thing is that McDonald really seems to struggle for pace and his height really does let him down against taller, stronger opposition. His goals are those lucky rebound type of shots that in this game, were far too rare to mention. Is it only the system or is it that international football isnt well suited to him. I am not sure but I have never been a huge fan of his.

What was needed was Pim trying to get other options ready for this formation if he used it. He might have thought he did in training but it needs game time. That was never trjied with any substance. To try and use it first againt a team as good as Germany is suicidal.

I don't know about most people, but my problem was not with the formation, but with the personell. Why play what you have called a '4-4-2' without including a striker? Furthermore, if you plan on playing 4-4-2, why not bring Macca?

He said he doesn't fit the system, but honestly: NO coach should go into the world cup with just ONE system. You cant play the same for every game.

Anyway, its a joke to call it a 4-4-2. One of Garcia or Cahill was always back. More accurate to call it a 4-6-0. It was just as 'rigid' and 'boring' as before.

The fact is that Pim was found way out of his depth and proved that even before the cup, accepting a role to coach Morroco's YOUTH teams. Not 1 decent first choice coaching position and he did not want to wait until after the cup to look, as it would have been shown by then the lack of credibility he now has.

He did not stick to his guns at all, and I would have been happy to see him keep playing the same style and with same players as he had been, as atleast he was holding onto what he said he stood for. The game threw that out the door and just about said I declare my intent to change, with a squad that he picked with the purpose to play his original plan. Confusion? Yes. Iditiotic? Definately. Taking the blame for his mistakes? Priceless :)

Lets hope he gets it right this time around.

I would disagree, responsibility for the development of our domestic league lies with the FFA and the clubs. They are responsible for the standard of football that is played and are then responsible for developing youth players and talent.

The national manager can then give these developed players a chance in the national team and seek to make them better.

we arn't here to do the job Pim is and getting paid a great deal of money to do so. He was placed in this position for his expertise, and yes he has made some wrong decisions with his team positioning and team he fielded, but what is done is done and we all need to move on. We hhave 2 games to win and that is what we will do all going to a strong team spirit and the will to win.

For me the league should be the priority even if it means the national team dips for a period. So the coach should be brought on board with the task of working from the A-League to rebuild the squad. Which will help retain players and improve the standard of the league.

We need more players who are key figures in their clubs sides, even if at the A-League level which is of a lower level for now. So many of our squad are not key players where they are in Europe.



The tactics were flawed but so is the quality and depth of our squad. Focusing too much 'blame' or whatever on the coach and tactics draws focus away from what's really important - improving the standard of the A-League.

Happy Days :d

and so it will be after the World Cup.

I'd love for anyone to be given the opportunity to do better

Well there have been a lot of comments about Pim and the Socceroos...I dare anyone to to better though.

Actually, both are easy to do at the same time.

The performance was down to the tactics. The tactics were naive. The result was one that anyone with a rudimentary amount of football knowledge could have predicted.

Should it be the responsibility of the national coach to strengthen the domestic competition?
At the moment international league development is better than that in Australia, so the guys playing aborad should have priority.

When youth development in Australia is stronger, we can start using the A-league as a launch pad for our nationals.

Edit: The new coach should be one who is willing to change. We need one to use the talent in our existing NT and develop them into a better team as a whole. New formation and playing style?

Edited by vaughn2111: 15/6/2010 06:19:02 PM

At first I thought Pim was not as dim as he sims. But I was wrong it was a whim he is a bim and as dim as he sims!!

Its so easy to lay it all down on Pim... much harder to take an honest look at our squad and performance. Completely outclassed ! It goes more to the lack of depth in our squad, and the ones that are coming through are fringe players that can't step up for us. We only have five or six that could even make any impact in a league like the Bundesliga. Thats assuming we have these ambitions for Australian teams to challenge the likes of Germany. (Otherwise just enjoy being able to qualify, and chill.)

The next coach needs to be one who'll work with the A-League as the base for the squad, with the best of our Europe-based guys who are playing and not injured. This puts the onus back on developing the local league which is ultimately what's in the long term interests of football in Australia.

Are you Pim in disguise?

Dear KA, you're entitled to your opinion, which you have presented forthrightly and sincerity. Personally I admire Pim for making the choices he made against Germany. He had the conviction, aurhority and the justification to do what he did. He's also taken responsibility. Pure and simple, we were outclassed by a better side. IF we don't make it out of our group, there's another WC in four years time, who knows, new talent might be unearthed by then and a rematch against Germany would be a tasty treat. Australia is a far better football proposition than it was in 1974, but perhaps not a lot of difference from 2006. Football is a passionate game, and there are sides that will be leaving South Africa early, to the immense disappointment of their fans. We should all be right behind Pim and his Socceroos, willing them to win their next two games. Intense criticism at this stage can only be detrimental,,,come on Australia !

Didn't we say the same thing after the USA game. That that game would wake us up

I always thought Pim had a master plan that he will show us at the worldcup that all the negative stuff was all rubbish. But all he has shown us so far is its all true. Even this article about what Guus and Josip Suminic ( spelling)said we should do was not give the germans a inch and attack, but MR PIM does the opposite and we get hammered. Your a disgrace Pim

great article, honest, to the point and well written. Sums up exactly how I feel about Pim too. I hope we can bounce back and some how get the points we need to finish top two, but as unlikely as that is, I for will be happy to see Verbeek long gone after this tournament. Pim's unforgivable, indefensible chaos will not missed.

This maybe a blessing in discuise. Everyone I have come across finally has a passionate opinion about the Socceroos. Even people that hate the game!! Normally they are ignored.

We also drew with the Dutch and South Africa, lost to the already mentioned South Korea, were shown up completely by the USA and then trounced by the Germans. pointing out one or to moments of greatness from a pool of mediocrity means nothing in the over all picture.

I don't come on to a Football Forum to fight the good fight, I come here to debate and discuss Football with people of varying opinions like yourself.
What I don't do is swallow what i'm told is best and support blindly. This isn't DPR Korea.




Edit: grammar

Edited by Rocknerd: 15/6/2010 04:35:54 PM

Well said KA. Summed it up perfectly.

let me just mention a quote from the sports science guy at sfc (dr craig)




i dont think u can blame pim too much. one day the a-league players will be up to scratch but def not now. not till the majority of the league has real quality coaches.

And people dismiss impressive wins over Uzbekistan and the thrashing of Ireland, not to mention beating the Dutch - the then third-ranked team in the World.

Guess what, Pim was in charge then.

Mouthing off on the internet isn't "fighting the good fight".

Grammar errors happen to everyone now don't they?

Yes I have had issues with Pim well before the so called bandwagon came around. His lack of experience for one and then his continuation of playing the same boring style of play and his almost flawless qualification process of 1-0, 2-1 and multiple draws never filled me with any confidence of his ability to lead us during the world cup.

You can add to that; his inability to land a role as a head Manager of anyone after his placement with Australia.

I have never minded being called a **** but I do object to being called a bandwagoner as I have been fighting the good Fight for more than 20 years.

Also to better explain my happiness; I am happy that I was right, I would have been happier to be wrong.

Pim is a Dutchman, he has his pay cheque and he already has a new job to go to - he knows he is not the most popular man in Australia at the moment and I don't think he really cares. I love Australia and I love football, but I have been worried over the past few months about Pim's dedication and skills as the Australian Coach. On Monday morning my worries were well founded. I certainly DO NOT want the Socceroos to fail but I think we employed the wrong man for the job.

Because "the told you so brigade" are bandwagoners - people who know nothing or little about football itself, but who read someone's opinion online somewhere, circulate it, and then eventually pass it off as their own opinion.

You can't even spell "Tactics", and you want me to believe that you had fundamental problems with Pim's?

Please.

Everyone who got on the anti-Pim bandwagon 12 months ago - despite an almost flawless qualification for the World Cup are c*nts.

Plain and simple.

I sure you're happy.