Having entered the World Cup with lofty ambition, there is no doubt that Germany fell well short of expectations in Qatar.
While they would win their final group game against Costa Rica last night, Japan's win over Spain in the other fixture ensured that they would leave the competition at the first hurdle.
The Japanese winner may be viewed as contentious by some, but Germany can have no complaints about getting knocked out. They performed well short of their best for the majority of the three games, looking entirely unconvincing despite having a supremely talented squad.
In saying that, their were some shortcomings in the team. They were strong in attacking areas, but they looked a bit ropey at the back.
Rafael van der Vaart compares German defender to Harry Maguire
Niklas Sule played the full 90 minutes in all three game at the tournament, although he largely failed to impress. Having been played out of position at right back in the opener against Japan, he was moved back to centre back in the next two games.
Considering that his team conceded five goals across the fixtures, it won't surprise you to learn that he is coming in for some criticism.
Speaking on Dutch broadcaster NOS, former Spurs midfielder Rafael van der Vaart compared Sule to Harry Maguire.
Germany have a problem in defence.
Sule is not world-class. He is the German Harry Maguire.
Considering the Dutchman's past comments about the Manchester United defender, that certainly isn't a compliment.
Sule is a formidable figure, standing at 6'5". However, he also lacks pace and can be exposed on the turn by quicker attackers.
Rafael van der Vaart has made a number of disparaging comments about Maguire in recent years, saying just after his transfer to Manchester United:
It's funny because in the UEFA Nations League for the game between Holland and England, I was on Dutch television.
We were saying Harry Maguire was by far the worst player on the pitch, then two months later, 90 million? Unbelievable.
Some time later, he would also compare him to a Sunday league player.
When I watch an amateur game on Sunday, I find three players playing like him. I’m serious.
It may sound silly, but he will not hear it anyway. After all, we’re talking about a €90 million transfer here. Then van Dijk is worth €300 million.
Harsh.
If he is comparing Niklas Sule to that standard, it's fair to say he isn't all that impressed by him.
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