World Cup: Group G discussion

I assume it will be Klose up front if at all possible.
I have yet to hear a reasonable explanation as to why we didn't take Kruse, but what the hell.

That being said, while discussing lineups, the obvious replacements for Klose, in my mind, are Podolski, Schürrle, Reus, and Müller, and even in that order.

Götze is the first replacement if Klose is injured or not playing well, then comes Müller and Schürrle, that's how I believe Löw is lining them up.

I imagine the starting XI if everyone is 100% fit is:

I believe in Müller/Reus/Özil, (especially Reus who's in hot form) they can make the difference in attack and the back 5 is defensively stronger than the 2010/2012 back 5.

My only concern is Schweinsteiger's current form but as an experienced leader I hope he gets it together for one more huge occasion. And Klose of course who probably can't deliver at the highest level anymore. In any case, Schürrle should be playing up front if Klose is injured or out of form, not Götze who has never delivered in that position.

Yeah I know Götze is Löws first choice, and you're probably right about the lineup, too. I just disagree with Löw.

I think Podolski, Schürrle, and Reus are more suited to playing as the striker, since I don't think that the false 9 role really suits us all that much.

Regarding the back four, I expect Großkreutz to start ahead of Durm, though that might be wrong, and Boateng might displace Hummels, but that would be a shame, it should really be Merte and Hummels, they'll be great together.

I also believe in Müller/Özil/Reus as in that it'll happen, though Löw might start Podolski as well, who always gives 150% for the NT.
Regarding Özil, by now I would probably prefer Kroos or Götze getting the spot to be honest, but that's admittedly some fine piece of kneejerkery on my part.

Do people really think Klose will start as number 9 at this age?

If not then will the chemistry work between essentially what can be called three second strikers?

VivaStPauli wrote:
Regarding the back four, I expect Großkreutz to start ahead of Durm, though that might be wrong, and Boateng might displace Hummels, but that would be a shame, it should really be Merte and Hummels, they'll be great together.

I also believe in Müller/Özil/Reus as in that it'll happen, though Löw might start Podolski as well, who always gives 150% for the NT.
Regarding Özil, by now I would probably prefer Kroos or Götze getting the spot to be honest, but that's admittedly some fine piece of kneejerkery on my part.

I don't think Boateng will displace Hummels. What makes you think that?

Ozil is of course the fulcrum of the attack. Reus is in outstanding form. Muller is arguably the most underrated player in the world. I can't see any chance of not starting with all of them if they are available.

I share your sentiments on Ozil somewhat but it's too late to change now.

The big question is who will be the two central midfielders.

Don't see Klose starting. I'm fairly certain the front 4 are going to be Müller, Özil, Gotze, and Reus.

Also Durm a starter? Thought it would probably be Lahm and Großkreutz.

I don't know what makes you think Götze starts as a striker, he hasn't performed once in that position. To be fair Löw is known for making some daft decisions.

Also Durm starts as LB, Großkreutz is backup for both Lahm/Durm. Unless Khedira/Schweini are injured which means Lahm goes in midfield while Großkreutz starts as RB.

What makes you think Gotze will be the striker. He's probably going with a false 9 sort of role. Where any of Reus, Gotze, Muller and Ozil spend time in. But I'm fairly certain the 4 will all start.

McAgger's sig is getting disturbing, seeing it all the time -.-


Anyway, does anyone know the latest on Ronaldo's fitness? Whether he can play in the first game against Germany or not makes a huge difference.

should be Boateng plus either of Hummels or Merte, preferably Hummels.

Merte should and will be a definite starter. Hummels as the partner.

McAgger wrote:Don't see Klose starting. I'm fairly certain the front 4 are going to be Müller, Özil, Gotze, and Reus.

Have they started with these four in any of the friendlies?

messixaviesta wrote:

McAgger wrote:Don't see Klose starting. I'm fairly certain the front 4 are going to be Müller, Özil, Gotze, and Reus.

Have they started with these four in any of the friendlies?

They started with the 4 against Cameroon last game. The game against Poland was a garbage line up full of kids that won't even travel with them to WC.

Meh friendlies. Worst indicator you could possibly get from these regarding the line ups. I think the last friendly before the world cup could possibly give us a glimpse at the starting line up for the WC. So Armenia tomorrow.

But I think those 4 definitely start.

Neverkusen Holding Germany Back?

Leverkusen players in the WC squad:
1954: 0 -> winner
1974: 0 -> winner
1990: 0 -> winner
1994: 2
1998: 1
2002: 5
2006: 1
2010: 1
2014: 0 -> winner?

Leverkusen players in the Euro squad:
1972: 0 -> winner
1980: 0 -> winner
1988: 2
1992: 2
1996: 0 -> winner
2000: 5
2004: 2
2008: 2
2012: 2

None this year Lowe has finally figured it out

Neverkusen seriously

I wonder how people become Leverkusen fans

McAgger wrote:I wonder how people become Leverkusen fans

watch it, mate   .

 

McAgger wrote:None this year  Lowe has finally figured it out

Christoph Kramer is a Leverkusen player. He's only on loan at Borussia M'gladbach.

rwo power wrote:

McAgger wrote:None this year  Lowe has finally figured it out

Christoph Kramer is a Leverkusen player. He's only on loan at Borussia M'gladbach.

He has played 0 matches for the Neverkusen First team I believe.

This is quite surprise to me, and makes it even more intriguing! A team like Germany with the same coach, essentially the same bunch of players yet still no one really is sure about the first choice at this point in time

Im really excited to see Reus and Gozte, 2 very promosing and exciting talents. The concern we all know is Germany always played with a Klose/Gomez physical guy up front until very recently I think? So they would be changing their attacking game at least some what and thats a big adjustment. For spectacle reason I hope it works out for them!

Art Morte wrote:McAgger's sig is getting disturbing, seeing it all the time -.-


Anyway, does anyone know the latest on Ronaldo's fitness? Whether he can play in the first game against Germany or not makes a huge difference.

I agree but I'll be extremely shocked if he doesn't play. If he's not 100% he'll probably seek to have a more efficient performance like against Bayern this year in the CL.

BarcaLearning wrote:This is quite surprise to me, and makes it even more intriguing! A team like Germany with the same coach, essentially the same bunch of players yet still no one really is sure about the first choice at this point in time

Im really excited to see Reus and Gozte, 2 very promosing and exciting talents. The concern we all know is Germany always played with a Klose/Gomez physical guy up front until very recently I think? So they would be changing their attacking game at least some what and thats a big adjustment. For spectacle reason I hope it works out for them!

There are a few problems with Germany. Some of what used to be their key strengths in the recent past are not there now - a strong target man and balance in midfield. Also among elite teams they probably have one of the worst coaches. Joachim Low is a little like Claudio Ranieri - great at building foundations but doesn't have it in him to win. Cruel as it may be such coaches need to be discarded at the right time for greater good. They should still beat the average teams quite easily but my feeling is they will struggle to beat any strong team.

Löw has never won anything, besides the Austrian league and a fluke German cup in the nineties.

How this guy came to be entrusted with the most talented German squad in decades and the most prestigious job in German football really is a mystery.

Probably something to do with satanism or the freemasons, that's why he never shows his forehead, there's probably some kind of mark there

He makes us play good qualification though, aided by our notorious luck in qualification group draws.