Holding a 1-0 lead after a dominant first half, Germany crumbled after the break and let Japan rating twice late within the sport on Wednesday, incomes scathing criticism from group captain Manuel Neuer and skilled midfielder Ilkay Guendogan.

The German media and pundits haven’t been any much less vitriolic, evaluating them with beginner groups. Germany have received simply two and misplaced 5 of their final eight match matches on the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in addition to eventually yr’s Euros. That statistic appears to be like even worse when the 2022 Nations League matches are included with one other 4 attracts, one loss and just one win.

“It is difficult to say that statistic is in our favor but in the past few years there was an overhaul of the team, a change of coach and news players, and that plays a role,” mentioned ahead Kai Havertz on Friday at their coaching base in northern Qatar.

“But that is no excuse. At the end of the day what matters are the tournaments and when you see the statistic it is 1000% too small. We have to turn things around. We are all in the same boat and know what is at stake, and we will try to improve the statistic.”

A defeat to Spain may ship Germany crashing out of the match within the first spherical for the second straight time after 2018 and the gamers are determined to keep away from that. Germany additionally play Costa Rica, who misplaced 7-0 to Spain, of their final Group E match on Dec. 1.

“I can understand the negativity of fans and media,” Havertz mentioned. “We know we face criticism and not everyone is behind us. But the past is the past… and it is a big game on Sunday.”

While the dialogue previous to the match had targeted on whether or not coach Hansi Flick would deploy a pure centre ahead, Germany’s total weak second-half efficiency towards Japan the place a number of gamers underperformed was the primary speaking level now.

“It was a dumb first game and now we are here with a bitter feeling. Now we are in a bad moment and that can switch quite quickly. If we win the game on Sunday it will be the turnaround for us.”