Having entered the tournament as one of the favourites, it came as a huge surprise to see Germany lose their 2022 FIFA World Cup opener against Japan yesterday.
Hansi Flick's side actually started the game in a promising fashion, and despite entering the halftime break with a 1-0 lead, they probably should have been in a far more commanding position considering the way they dominated the first 45 minutes.
Few could have predicted how the second half would unfold.
Japan looked like a completely different side after the interval, completely flipping the contest on its head. In the end, they were fully deserving of their 2-1 victory.
🇩🇪 1-2 🇯🇵
Joyous scenes at the final whistle as Japan celebrate their finest hour at the #FifaWorldCup.
📺 Watch reaction now on @RTE2 and @RTEplayer: https://t.co/cpCr43bf7e
📱Live updates: https://t.co/1fMQMqtH51#GERJPN #RTESoccer pic.twitter.com/NP8OHmZLaS— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 23, 2022
There is no doubting that the Asian side were the better of the two teams on the day, but some feel they may have had a helping hand from the German dugout.
Lothar Matthaus questions Hansi Flick calls in Japan loss
Hansi Flick made some very questionable calls in the second half of the game, making a number of substitutions when the result was still very much in the balance. He took off Thomas Muller and Ilkay Gundogan when his side were 1-0 up, while star performer Jamal Musiala came off when the scores were level.
Some have accused the Germany manager of not taking the game seriously by making such moves, while his decision to start Nicklas Sule out of position at right back has also been questioned.
Speaking to Bild, Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus said he felt that Flick's second half substitutes ultimately cost Germany the game, comparing it to when he was taken off in the 1999 Champions League final when Manchester United pulled off a late comeback.
I thought of the 1999 final, when (Ottmar) Hitzfeld substituted me shortly before the end, and Manchester United won 2-1.
You take a personality off the field that your opponent respects, and you're letting them know you feel safe, too sure! An invitation to attack. It was like that now.
By substituting Müller and Gündogan, two experienced players at the same time, the order lost. The rhythm was lost...
I always stand by Hansi Flick, but I didn't understand a few things about the game. The national coach has to put up with questions.
For example the formation of the full-backs. Why doesn't (Thilo) Kehrer play, who has always played lately? The goals conceded came from outside. Süle is not a full-back. At 2-1, the space is far too far forward, but defenders are there to defend.
Then Schlotterbeck looks surprised, doesn't go aggressively enough, Süle cancels the offside.
Germany will now go into Sunday's game against Spain knowing that a positive result will be required if they are to keep their World Chop hopes alive.
If they come up short on that occasion, you can be sure that Hansi Flick will face a lot more questions in the days ahead.
SEE ALSO: Didi Hamann Criticises "Unprofessional" Rudiger For Antics In Japan Defeat
