JNow the World Cup countdown is ticking. Exactly two months to the day before the first group game at the World Cup against Japan Hansi Flick make a sporty signal.
With a win against Hungary, the German national soccer team should today (8:45 p.m./ZDF) take the lead in Group 3 of League A in the Nations League. The national coach is hoping for “a statement” from the group win, which is to be made perfect three days later in Wembley against England.
The Hungarians (7 points) are still ahead in the difficult group with the DFB team (6), Italy (5) and England (2). But the Flick-Elf can change that in the arena in Leipzig. “The whole team is looking forward to the game, after which we will hopefully be leaders,” said RB attacker Timo Werner before his home international match.
In goal will be due to the failure of Manuel Neuer because of a positive corona test Marc-André ter Stegen. Flick has once again manifested the hierarchy among the German goalkeepers: Neuer is number one, followed by ter Stegen and Kevin Trapp as other World Cup greats as well as Oliver Baumann and Bernd Leno as possible replacement candidates.
Flick cryptically avoided a possible use of Thomas Müller (33) off. The Bayern driver would be the logical replacement captain for Neuer with 116 international matches so far, but surprisingly there was no guarantee from Flick. “If he plays,” he will also wear the captain’s armband, said Flick. Just poker or actually a demotion of the veteran? Flick will give Müller’s answer in the evening.