By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, June 19 (Xinhua) -- It might be a trip to the sunshine at just the right time of year, but traveling to Sochi five days before their second group match against Sweden on Saturday is far from a vacation for Germany's World Cup squad. The struggling team, however, might need the sunshine to help them fight endless self-doubt after their shock defeat to Mexico (1-0).
While gloomy predictions about a possible early exit after the group stage dominate the headlines at home, the defending champions are trying to forget a painful setback at the spot where they had won the Confed Cup a year ago.
Currently, everyone seems to be under attack after Sunday's terrible performance in Moscow. Joachim Loew is the primary target of critics, next to some of his key performers along with Sami Khedira, Mesut Oezil, Toni Kroos and Thomas Mueller.
Germany's head coach is accused of lacking a suitable strategy, as the team hasn't developed after the World Cup in Brazil. Some say it is down to overconfidence. Others blame him for chaotic tactics. Many say he selected too many over-age players.
Former German internationals like Lothar Matthaeus or Michael Ballack are concerned as the team seems to have lost faith and its team spirit.
Experienced defenders Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng both blamed teammates for not addressing their basic defensive duties. "They just left us alone," commented Boateng before saying the attitude of many squad members is a reason to be concerned.
Reports speak about controversial discussions lasting until dawn in the team's headquarters in Watutinki near Moscow. Team manager Oliver Bierhoff decided the team would train behind closed doors and canceled all media activities. The trip to Sochi felt like a desperate escape.
Surrounded by palm trees and sunshine, it will be up to Loew and the team's leaders to create a new spirit. "We won't change everything. There is no reason to expect everything will fall apart," Loew said.
The German coach promised that his team would "get things sorted out." Some see his statements are seen as clutching at straws. Despite the public pessimism, the 58-year-old said Germany in 2018 wouldn't follow the bad examples of France (2002), Italy (2010) and Spain (2014). The defending champions were eliminated in the following World Cup at the preliminary group stage.
To avoid the worst-case scenario, Loew might have to take a step backward. Four years ago in Brazil, Loew's successful strategy was based on a strong defense. In 2018, he has tried to add offensive elements. Now it seems his team has lost its balance. Loew is accused of having no solutions when opponents counter-attack as quickly as Mexico.
Hummels complained that they were investing too much in the attacking side of their game and neglecting the defense. By man-marking Kroos, Mexico paralyzed Germany's key creative midfielder.
Pundits and media are demanding for Loew to do an about-face turn and restructure his starting eleven. As the German game lacked speed and inspiration, Marco Reus is expected to start the game against Sweden. Timo Werner, Oezil, Mueller and Khedira are said to be in danger of losing their places.
Ilkay Guendogan and Julian Brandt may be an option as well as a three-man defense with Bayern defender Niklas Suele next to Hummels and Boateng instead of four.
Former German international Thomas Hitzlsperger said team-building and a new tactical approach is needed. Loew and the team's leaders have to show their skills. World Champions like Kroos and Khedira have to show leadership qualities and get the team working together in stressful situations, former German goal-keeper Oliver Kahn emphasized.
Kahn and Hitzlsperger say they have spotted a leadership problem in Loew's squad.
The German team needs to develop a new hunger for success, they say. Fans are now hoping that the Sochi sunshine might spark a new Germany.
