Bayern Munich are well-represented this international break. Here’s a look at the Bavarians’ German stars.
The Germans put in an uncharacteristically lazy performance in Prague. Regardless, it was one that was enough to secure a 2-1 victory against the Czech Republic. This was mostly thanks to a late-game winner by Bayern Munich center-back Mats Hummels. The defender was arguably one of the best players in the squad and even the best of the Germans representing Bayern in Prague.
The match opened up to an electric start for the World Champions. Mesut Özil served up an immaculate pass to RB Leipzig’s upstart forward Timo Werner, which he followed with an impressive controlled touch, and a deft finish to slide the ball through Czech goalkeeper Tomás Vaclík’s legs.
An Uninspired Germany After Early Goal
Unfortunately for the champions, the bulk or the props stop there. From then on, Germany looked rather lazy. There was no real bite to their typical style of play, and they looked rather content with just slowing the game down.
Because of that, they allowed the Czech Republic to get into some surprisingly scary positions. All credit to the Czech’s however; they didn’t submit after going down early.
Toni Kroos mostly acted as the metronome controlling the game’s tempo, but he alone wasn’t enough.
Overall sloppy passing in the final third allowed for uncomfortable counters against the German defense. The Czech defense wasn’t worked nearly as hard as most would expect from Germany. Bayern Munich attacker Thomas Müller had a few flashes of his usual creativity, but nothing as definitive as one would hope.
Partial blame, however, could go to teammate complacency. Müller delivered some great crosses after picking out pockets of space, but Lars Stindl in particular, lacked conviction to finish those chances.
Mats Hummels: Enforcer and Savior
In terms of Bayern Munich players on this Germany team, Hummels seemed to be the stand-out. The stalwart defender was easily the most composed in defense, and at times bailed Kimmich out on the right side. Hummels made his presence known with crucial interceptions, blocks and tackles to stunt the Czech’s attacks.
Even while in possession, Hummels was bullish and refused to be overpowered. Admittedly, it was frustrating seeing Mats have to be the most dominant in the back. Hummels’ defensive teammates were too often caught ball-watching and allowed stress on ter Stegan’s goal.
There's no goalkeeper in the world that's stopping that. WOW, Vladimir Darida! #CZEGER #WCQ https://t.co/xVy3QRoF2e
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) September 1, 2017
This inevitably led to some defensive lapses starting from Kimmich’s flank and a slow reaction from the rest of the German defense to step up to Darida’s absolute thunderbolt goal, which left ter Stegan helpless.
Thankfully for the World Champions, Mats Hummels showed his class in the opposition box before the final whistle. After Germany earned a free-kick in a dangerous area, Toni Kroos whipped in an excellent cross that met the head of the towering Hummels. Unmarked, Hummels beautifully floated the ball into right side of the goal, leaving Vaclík scrambling hopelessly.
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Germany Still on Top
While this has definitely not been a vintage performance, Germany continue to remain perfect in their qualifying group. In fact, the Germans at times have been known to doze off occasionally in qualifying matches before really turning up the heat come tournament time. As fans, all we can ask is that they get the results they need, and don’t bring Bayern back anymore injured players.