Germany are experiencing one of their worst years in recent memory. After the World Cup debacle that saw the Germans go out in the group stage, Joachim Low has had difficulty getting players to fire.
It hasn’t helped that Germany are arguably in the toughest Nations League group. Regardless, more was expected of Germany. The Netherlands, who didn’t qualify for the World Cup in Russia, have obtained three points from six. Their only loss came at the hands of France.
The Dutch could still seal progression to the playoffs, but must win their final two group games against France and Germany. Anything less than two wins and the Dutch will not qualify. In fact, the Netherlands could still be relegated to League B depending on their final two games.
The Netherlands defeated Germany in their previous Nations League meeting. The 3-0 scoreline did flatter Ronald Koeman’s team as two of the goals came after the 85-minute mark. Still, Koeman’s team defeated the 2014 World Cup winners. After defeating Germany in October, the Netherlands drew with Belgium in a friendly. While it was just an exhibition match, it does show the Dutch are returning to their previous levels.
Low watched his team defeat Russia 3-0 in the build-up to the Nations League match. It was Germany’s first win in three attempts. Low is staring Nations League relegation in the face, something no one would have expected pre-World Cup. However, everything that could go wrong has gone wrong for Germany.
The fate of the Germans is not in their own hands. Depending on Friday’s result between France and the Netherlands, Germany could be relegated to Group B by the time they take the pitch in Gelsenkirchen. Low has stated being relegated won’t “be the end of the world”, but it could influence the German Football Association to ask some hard questions. After being ranked second in the world prior to the World Cup, Germany are now 14th.
The Netherlands have everything to gain over a four-day period. Defeat France and Germany and qualify for the Nations League playoffs. Lose both matches and the national team will be relegated to Group B.
Three of the last six meetings between Germany and the Netherlands have ended in draws. Meanwhile, Germany have won twice compared to the Dutch’s one win. Of course, that one win came earlier in the Nations League. This match will not only have major implications on the group, but the future of both national teams.