Germany to face France with talisman Schweinsteiger back as skipper

by Martin Wohlfahrt

After one suspension and several injuries the German national coach and his staff have quite a puzzle to solve to get their line-up in the semi-final against France together. Luckily for them, an important centerpiece of that puzzle has been put back into play. On Wednesday Joachim Loew confirmed that Sebastian Schweinsteiger will lead the German “Mannschaft” as their captain into the Vélodrome in Marseille.

Initially the German midfielder was not considered to be in shape to play as Loew always emphasized he’d only put player on the pitch who are “100% percent”. It seems like Germany’s medical staff around Dr. Mueller-Wohlfahrt rose up to the challenge to get Schweinsteiger back into the triple percentage digits.

The fact that Schweinsteiger can play changes, well, not everything, but some things might become a bit clearer. Schweinsteiger with his experience together with Toni Kroos should be the most qualified the German team has to offer to counter French multi-talented midfield menace Paul Pogba.

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French coach Deschamps might want to play Griezmann and Giroud in front of Pogba like he did in the Iceland game. That would make for a formidable offensive line for France. Pogba can run the ball from the midfield like no other and their fast vertical attacking game has the power to plow through a defense like a bowling ball through pins.

Germany has to avoid to be run over like Iceland did when they played the Euro host. Although Benedikt Hoewedes might not initiate as much forward movement,  he is a reliable and steady defender. Switching to a four-man defensive line with him would be a reasonable move in my option.       

However, Loew who has shown against Italy that he is able and willing to adjust to the strengths of an opposing team and might decide to stick with a line of three. In that case Mustafi, Boateng and Hoewedes would have to bear the brunt of the French offensive force while Kimmich and Hector would be set on the wings. Ironically that would mean Germany’s tactical “counter attack” approach would be quite similar to the strategy of their former opponent Italy. But no matter if Loew will play with four or three in the defense, Hummels will definitely be missed.

So far the defense. But if Germany wants to avoid another gruesome penalty shootout they have to score at least once more often than their French host. Mario Gomez’ injury is bitter for the German team but it might be a chance for Mario Goetze to redeem himself. His performance was mediocre at best so far but he still might be a better option than Schuerrle.      

Another option would be to have Thomas Mueller replace Gomez.

The attacking midfielder has everything it takes to be a lone forward. He also has still a really bad case of “goal congestion” and what better way to get rid of it as up front against France?