Northern Ireland v Germany, 21st June, 5pm

[JJ1532]

Well, Northern Ireland go into this game high on confidence after a great win against Ukraine. Can they pull off what would surely be the greatest result in their history and get something from Germany? They might need to to give themselves a decent chance at qualifying as one of the 3rd placed teams. What does O'Neill do? Does he name a positive selection like the one we saw today, or does he go ultra defensive and play for a 0-0/narrow defeat?

Germany were ok against Ukraine, but looked very lacklustre against Poland, who held them at arms length quite easily. They should have too much for Northern Ireland shouldn't they? O'Neill's side don't have a chance do they?

 

[TomPNE94]

1-1

 

[Renegade]

I think it would actually benefit Germany to throw this game. If they finish top of their group, the last 16 game will be easier, but then their route to the final is likely Italy in the quarters and then France/England in the semi-finals. The other side of the draw is easier on paper - potentially facing Switzerland, Spain and Wales/Portugal/Belgium.

I still think Germany will hammer them though, there is just way too much quality.

 

[Lewis Rutledge]

Would love to see Northern Ireland get through but can't see them getting anything against Germany. They'll probably have to try and attack at some stage and could get caught out:

 

[JJ1532]

I think it would actually benefit Germany to throw this game. If they finish top of their group, the last 16 game will be easier, but then their route to the final is likely Italy in the quarters and then France/England in the semi-finals. The other side of the draw is easier on paper - potentially facing Switzerland, Spain and Wales/Portugal/Belgium.

I still think Germany will hammer them though, there is just way too much quality.

They are Germany. Surely they are strong enough to fancy their chances against anyone? I know I would in their shoes. I doubt they fear Spain, France, Italy anyone.

 

[Renegade]

They are Germany. Surely they are strong enough to fancy their chances against anyone? I know I would in their shoes. I doubt they fear Spain, France, Italy anyone.

You're right, they don't fear anyone, but International tournaments are a drain. Having three incredibly tough games in a row (say Italy, France and then Spain in the final) is going to be much more of a slog. They could have a relative breather against Wales/Portugal/Belgium in between two more fancied nations.

It's why England fucked up so royally yesterday. You always hear the argument that if you want to win the tournament, you have to play the big boys eventually, so why not now? You're far more likely to get knocked out if you have to get through three world class teams as opposed to two and your players are going to be more physically and mentally drained doing it. If you can alleviate some of that pressure, teams should really do it.

 

[SALTIRE]

Northern Ireland to get in their faces but a mistake will cost them and Germany to eventually run out winning 2 - 0

 

[Stevencc]

Oh fuck off Muller!

I have a bet that includes Germany and I've captained Muller in my fantasy team.

Sexy pass from Ozil.

 

[Nath]

This could be a massacre now.

 

[Renegade]

http://www.tomnash.eu/gomez-button.html

Should have started the tournament, Germany should be three or four up already.

 

[Storzy]

Germany are looking much better starting a centre forward.

Wasn't this similar to the World Cup? They started with the false number 9 and struggled for goals and fluidity up front, put Klose in and started playing much better.

 

[Chris FGR]

Germany are looking much better starting a centre forward.

Wasn't this similar to the World Cup? They started with the false number 9 and struggled for goals and fluidity up front, put Klose in and started playing much better.

Yep exactly the same. Amazed Löw still hasn't learnt that yet. Gomez and Müller have 60 international goals between them, get them on the pitch close together in the attacking third and goals will come.

Götze has never been a striker, his confidence has been shot playing him out of position.

Youngster Kimmich looks quite a player, Pep a big fan apparently.

 

[Modernist]

Northern irish fans have been amazing, best so far this tournament.

 

[Storzy]

While Germany have looked a much better side with Gomez upfront, there is based on this game a definate drop in quality with him compared to the Germany midfield.

 

[Chris FGR]

While Germany have looked a much better side with Gomez upfront, there is based on this game a definate drop in quality with him compared to the Germany midfield.

He adds better balance though.

 

[mistermagic]

Germany are looking much better starting a centre forward.

Wasn't this similar to the World Cup? They started with the false number 9 and struggled for goals and fluidity up front, put Klose in and started playing much better.

Precisely what I've been saying for the last 2 years. With Klose retiring, Germany only have Gomez and there is a distinct lack of a natural CF coming through the ranks. Germany are a mess playing a 4-6-0 and easy to defend against. Put Gomez, as limited as he is, and it'll be more fluid.

 

[JJ1532]

Cracking result for Northern Ireland. Got a great shot at qualifying now.

 

[Chris FGR]

Precisely what I've been saying for the last 2 years. With Klose retiring, Germany only have Gomez and there is a distinct lack of a natural CF coming through the ranks. Germany are a mess playing a 4-6-0 and easy to defend against. Put Gomez, as limited as he is, and it'll be more fluid.

Davie Selke and Johannes Eggestein are 2 youngsters coming through that could make it big imo.

Maybe even more established players like Timo Werner or Kevin Volland could develop into top players in that role if they get to play as CF more often at their clubs.

 

[Nath]

Irish fans have been amazing, best so far this tournament.

Spot on.

Germany were poor in that second half. McGovern kept it respectable. Nervous wait now.

 

[mistermagic]

Davie Selke and Johannes Eggestein are 2 youngsters coming through that could make it big imo.

Maybe even more established players like Timo Werner or Kevin Volland could develop into top players in that role if they get to play as CF more often at their clubs.

Why aren't they at the tournament though? Couldn't hurt to have them in the squad. Löw also left out Hoffenheim's Sebastian Rudy, arguably the only player able to play RB since Lahm's retirement.

 

[voltage]

Liked to see Germany playing to win and not just to classify as some renowned teams did. And I actually like Northern Ireland too.
Gomez is really very limited but I prefer him than Gotze in terms of team. Today Germany did very well. It's impressive how their basis is so carefully build, the boy Kimmich was amazing, now expecting Sané to have a chance too.

 

[Chris FGR]

Why aren't they at the tournament though? Couldn't hurt to have them in the squad. Löw also left out Hoffenheim's Sebastian Rudy, arguably the only player able to play RB since Lahm's retirement.

Lots of questionable selections from Löw, Rudy should have gone instead of either Tah or Höwedes, Bellerabi should have gone instead of Podolski as at least he adds some pace and dribbling ability down the flanks, and at least one of Volland, Werner or even Lasogga should have gone to offer more proper CF options. Why is Sane in the squad if he's never going to get a game?

He's left himself an unbalanced squad lacking in certain areas when there were options available who although not world class, would have done a decent job and added balance, that he could and should have taken.

 

[JJ1532]

I think I'm right in saying that if the Czech Republic fail to win or if Turkey fail to win by 4 goals or more, Northern Ireland will be through. So, come on Turkey?

 

[AFCB_Mark]

He's left himself an unbalanced squad lacking in certain areas when there were options available who although not world class, would have done a decent job and added balance, that he could and should have taken.

That sounds incredibly familiar!

 

[Bobbin']

Germany are looking much better starting a centre forward.

Wasn't this similar to the World Cup? They started with the false number 9 and struggled for goals and fluidity up front, put Klose in and started playing much better.

Yep exactly the same. Amazed Löw still hasn't learnt that yet. Gomez and Müller have 60 international goals between them, get them on the pitch close together in the attacking third and goals will come.

Götze has never been a striker, his confidence has been shot playing him out of position.

Youngster Kimmich looks quite a player, Pep a big fan apparently.

No.

Germany scored 7 goals in the group stages in 2014, beating Portugal 4-0 in their first game.

 

[Chris FGR]

That sounds incredibly familiar!

Yep, incredibly frustrating when BOTH the countries you support do it.

 

[mistermagic]

No.

Germany scored 7 goals in the group stages in 2014, beating Portugal 4-0 in their first game.

Figures don't tell the whole story. Germany were playing much better with a natural CF.

 

[Liam_SWFC]

This tournament has been really strange, only Spain and Belgium have really been able to put weaker opposition to the sword and comfortably beat them. Of course a wins a win and Germany will be pleased to have qualified as group winners, but they've been quite underwhelming for World Champions and I really don't fancy them to win it now. Northern Ireland have been very brave in all their games and can hold their heads high, still a chance they could qualify in 3rd place which would be fantastic. Wales V Northern Ireland in the last 16 would be very tasty.

 

[Skinner]

NI fans still in the ground singing

 

[mistermagic]

This tournament has been really strange, only Spain and Belgium have really been able to put weaker opposition to the sword and comfortably beat them. Of course a wins a win and Germany will be pleased to have qualified as group winners, but they've been quite underwhelming for World Champions and I really don't fancy them to win it now. Northern Ireland have been very brave in all their games and can hold their heads high, still a chance they could qualify in 3rd place which would be fantastic. Wales V Northern Ireland in the last 16 would be very tasty.

You forgot Wales.