"It wouldn't make sense to have four goalies in the European Championship team"
German National Team Still Searching for Winning Touch: Beier Shines but Lackluster Performance Raises Questions
Maximilian Beier impressed in Germany's penultimate friendly match against Ukraine, but the team's inability to score a goal during the 0-0 draw has raised questions about the team's cohesion and strategy, according to legendary coach Ewald Lienen and football commentator Michael Born.
With club football temporarily on hold, the German national team was expected to keep their form during the penultimate European Championship test against Ukraine. Despite many chances, including a standout performance by Hoffenheim striker Maximilian Beier, the DFB team failed to find the back of the net.
"Unfortunately, we didn't reward ourselves for the multitude of opportunities," said Bayern veteran Thomas Müller in an interview with ARD. He noted that, despite the changes in the team, the flow of the game had not been broken. "We deserved a goal today," Müller concluded. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, back in action for the DFB national team, also commented on the lack of conversion rate, but praised Beier's efforts. "Beier continued where he left off in the Bundesliga. He deserved a goal," Marvelled Lienen.
As Germany's final test match ahead of the EM draws nearer, national coach Julian Nagelsmann will have to make some tough decisions. With four goalkeepers on his roster, Lienen criticized the idea of bringing all of them to the tournament. "Four goalkeepers at the tournament would be silly," he said. Despite his glowing praise for Beier, it's anyone's guess which player will be dropped from the squad, with Oliver Baumann or Alexander Nübel possible candidates.
Lienen and Born also noted the German team's lack of attacking creativity, especially in the wing positions, though Chris Führich's substitution in the second half provided a pesky offensive threat. "One has noticed that we play without wingers," said Born, adding, "There was a lot of attacking pressure on the wingers in this match, but they didn't play into these areas."
As the EUFA European Championship inches closer, Lienen and Born's podcast "The Sixteen" will provide in-depth analysis of the German national team's progress. Starting with two weekly episodes, the podcasters will also be offering exclusive coverage and insights for ntv.de, as Germany looks to outperform in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Neuer managed to rebound from his mistaken clearance attempt in the final phase, due to an offside Ukrainian striker, with several world-class saves during the match. "He just has to clear it, but that happens sometimes," said Lienen, before extolling Neuer's overall performance.
For now, the German national team will have to regroup and refocus for their last taste of action before the EM, with analysis and insights from "The Sixteen" guiding their way.
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Julian Nagelsmann expressed concerns about bringing all four goalkeepers to the European Championship, stating that it would be unnecessary and foolish. The National soccer team's performance in the match against Ukraine, despite Maximilian Beier's impressive display, raised questions about their attacking creativity, with a lack of wingers being notably mentioned by football commentator Michael Born.
