Germany’s World Cup fortunes falter as Neuer returns

Germany’s recent tournament exits have shattered the perception of inevitability. The defending champions fell in the 2018 World Cup group stage after Manuel Neuer mishandled a ball 80 yards from his goal, allowing Son Heung Min to score. A similar group‑stage elimination occurred in 2022 when Japan overturned Germany’s early lead.

In 2014, Andre Schurrle delivered a cross and Mario Gotze volleyed to secure Germany’s fourth World Cup title. Prior to that, Germany had reached at least the quarter‑finals in every World Cup since 1954. The 2014 final against Argentina remains their last match beyond the group phase.

The 2018 collapse marked the first failure under Joachim Low, who succeeded Jurgen Klinsmann. Hansi Flick, Low’s former sidekick, also saw his tenure end after a series of defeats despite domestic successes with Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

Following the 2022 exit, Flick warned that German football needed new goalkeepers and wing‑backs, emphasizing defensive fundamentals. He later highlighted the lack of a clear project after nearly two decades spanning Klinsmann, Low and Flick.

Julian Nagelsmann reinstated Manuel Neuer as goalkeeper two years after Neuer’s international retirement. Nagelsmann praised Neuer’s aura and titles, hoping his experience will inspire the squad.

Assistant coach Benjamin Gluck works alongside Nagelsmann in training. Joshua Kimmich has been deployed at right‑back, while Nico Schlotterbeck and Jonathan Tah form the core centre‑back pairing.

Offensively, Germany have Gerd Muller’s record of ten World Cup goals as a benchmark, yet Miroslav Klose has not been fully replaced. Niclas Fullkrug emerged as a cult hero in 2022, and Serge Gnabry’s injury leaves a gap in the attacking line.

Julian Nagelsmann expressed frustration that Nick Woltemade, currently playing midfield for Newcastle, was being considered as a striker, while Kai Havertz could operate in a deeper role. Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz remain the standout creative talents from the last World Cup.

Three consecutive defeats in the Nations League to Portugal and France, and a loss to Slovakia in September, marked Germany’s first away defeat in World Cup qualifying. The defeats underscored the erosion of traditional strengths as the team shifted toward more technical players.

After Euro 2024, Ilkay Gundogan, Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller retired from international duty, leaving a younger, less experienced group. The new generation must navigate the tournament landscape without the shadow of the 2018 and 2022 failures.