UEFA Nations League, League A, GROUP 4:
It was a humiliating night for Germany as they got destroyed 6-0 by Spain. There was absolutely nothing the Germans could do as they were outclassed by Spain in every possible department. Going into this game, Germany were 1st in their group with 9 points whereas Spain were sitting in 2nd with 8 points. The winner of this game would have topped Group 4 and also qualified for the final 4 of the Nations League.
A loss wasn’t that much of an issue for Germany, as they had already qualified for the Euros. But the manner in which they got embarrassed by Spain, puts German manager Joachim Low under tremendous pressure. There is no denying that this team is in decline. Low’s decisions have come under a lot of scrutiny. He reportedly told experienced World Cup winners Mats Hummels, Thomas Muller and Jerome Boateng that he did not intend to select them again for the National team. The last game that the trio played for Germany was a 3-0 loss to Netherlands in October 2018. Looking at the performance yesterday, it further questions his decision to not consider them in his squad.
The loss further relates to the decline that this German cycle may have been going through, as they were knocked out of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in the Group Stage in a shocking manner, including losses against Mexico and South Korea. Low also did not include youngster Leroy Sane in the squad which came as a massive surprise to everyone as he had a stellar season leading up to the World Cup.
While the defence has been a problem, Low has no excuses as the talent that this German team possesses is extraordinary that includes the likes of Timo Werner, Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sane, Kai Havertz, Joshua Kimmich, Toni Kroos etc.
Alvaro Morata opened the scoring for Spain with Fabian Ruiz finding him from a corner at the backpost where he had ample space to head it in from close range. Morata continues his fine form for club and country, which has been kind of a revelation for him given his dry scoring spells in the past few seasons. He has 6 goals in 8 games this campaign.
Spanish and Manchester City winger Ferran Torres stole the show as he chalked up a hattrick. He ran riot through the German team as took his chances that fell to him and looked like he could create or score every time he was on the ball. The 20 year old can go back to club duty with a lot of confidence.
The other 2 goals were scored by Rodri and Mikel Oyarzabal.
The fallout from this game could be very noteworthy. Fans will be curios to see whether Germany stick with Joachim Low or get rid of him going into the Euros.
Spain will gain a lot of confidence from this performance as they join France in the Final 4 of the Nations League. The other 2 slots are open to either Belgium or Denmark from Group 2 or one of Italy, Netherlands and Poland from Group 1.
