I guess I'm sobering after Socceroos game so I will finish previews for team that play today. Gonna probably do all 8 of them in row so bear with me depending on which order this post hits your feed. u/sga1 was gracious in putting out this preview for Germany. Thanks to him!! About Nickname: none FIFA Ranking: 10th Manager: Julian Nagelsmann Captain: Joshua Kimmich Overview Germany come into this World Cup in a slightly uneven state. A supposedly easy qualification group with Slovakia, Northern Ireland and Luxembourg proved to be harder work than expected, not least thanks to plenty of injuries to key players and ever-changing lineups. The core of the side are Bayern-based, and that might prove to be a winning strategy given their strong club season - at least if some key players recapture their form. Not going into the tournament as one of the favourites to win it all and potentially meeting France in a heavyweight clash early in the knockouts, a lot will depend on key players striking a rich vein of form at the right time. Manager Going into the World Cup as the youngest manager this summer, he nevertheless already has the experience of the home Euros in 2024 under his belt. Loves tinkering with lineups and selections, sometimes to the detriment of performances. At his best, he can create a tactically variable, passionate side that can go toe to toe with the best of the field. At his worst his decision can seem poorly thought-through and are difficult for him to defend publicly. Tactically obsessive while able to motivate his squad, it's on him to strike the right balance of clear, structured match plans and allowing the creative players off the leash to benefit from their individual quality. Expected Tactical Approach Really varied. It's most likely going to be a 4-2-3-1, but with a deceptively physical midfield, a defense strong on the ball as well as in the duel, and a decent amount of pace up top this side is capable of playing any style. Expect a side dominating possession and playing on the front foot against Curaçao, easing into the tournament while ideally running up the score, and more measured performances against Ivory Coast and Ecuador. Can sit deeper and grind out results when forced to, the general expectation is still to control the ball and thus the game by pressing high and keeping possession rather than sitting deep and playing on the break. Key Players Manuel Neuer: Shock return for the 40-year-old, and not without controversy either. On his day still capable of world-class performances, but has gotten a lot more error- and injury-prone in recent years. His return is a massive gamble, especially as he's struggling with a calf injury going into the tournament. Joshua Kimmich: Captain forced to play his lesser-liked role at rightback. Incredibly influential on and off the pitch, and a key reason Germany are able to dictate games from deep. Aleksandar Pavlovic: After missing out on Euro 2024 through tonsilits, an absolute revelation at the base of midfield for club and country since. Calm beyond his years, physical, and tasked with dominating a key area of the pitch for the side to be successful. Jamal Musiala: A long injury layoff after last summer's Club World Cup meant he struggled to really get going this season. Him catching some good form at the right time is crucial, because he's capable of forming a fantastic one-two punch alongside Florian Wirtz. Kai Havertz: Not an elite striker in the tradition of big German names, but an exceptionally good and well-rounded player all the same: Will work hard from the front, be an aerial threat, offer pace in behind and keep Germany's attack fluid. And he'll absolutely tire out defenders who can then be finished off by Deniz Undav being subbed on for him. Breakout or Underrated Player Two defensive shouts here. Jonathan Tah is exactly the type of calm, quiet, and steady centreback to build a side around: decent on the ball, incredibly physical and strong in the air, with a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Likely to be flanked by our other nominee, Nathaniel Brown at leftback - outrageously fast, happy to fly up the pitch and provide width or come inside and combine in tight spaces if required, he'll be a nightmare for the opposition because of his defensive ability. Reasons for Optimism This squad might actually be underrated. The centreback partnership of Tah and Schlotterbeck is outstanding, the midfield pair of Pavlovic and Nmecha might well prove to be a revelation, while whatever front four actually play all offer dynamicism, creativity, and an eye for goal. It's a core of experienced players supported by really talented youngsters who aren't big names quite yet, but might soon be. Reasons for Concern Nagelsmann's tinkering might backfire; Manuel Neuer might get injured once again; Kai Havertz might not be efficient enough in front of goal; an early knockout meeting with France might well prove to be a step too far. Fan Expectations Not particularly high, after two successive World Cup failures. A lot of the focus isn't particularly on the results as much as it is on the performances: The fans want to see a side willing to fight and play exciting football, then see how long that run can carry on. Predictions Will smash Curacao, will beat at least one of Ivory Coast and Ecuador, and then will depend on the knockout draw. Worst case that's France in the Round of 16, but whisper it quietly: This Germany might actually beat France, at which point a semifinal appearance is well on the cards.   submitted by   /u/jiraiya--an [link]   [comments]