Published on 2 Dec 2022 12:20 pm (UK Time)
Germany head coach Hansi Flick sheds light on his plans with the national team following an early exit from the FIFA World Cup.
For their final outing, Germany faced Costa Rica with the objective of winning the match and booking their place in the knockout stages. Despite registering a comfortable 4-2 win over Costa Rica the Germans had failed to qualify for the knockout stages.
Meanwhile, Spain had fallen to a shock defeat at the hands of the Japanese which resulted in Japan topping the group with six points. Ritsu Doan’s goal in the 48th minute and a goal from Ao Tanaka in the 51st minute helped the Japanese seal a victory against Spain.
Despite losing in their final outing Spain progressed to the next stage of the competition as they had a better goal difference compared to Germany.
Germany’s group stage campaign hasn’t been a smooth sail as they have managed to win only one of their group stage matches, their shocking loss to Japan and a draw with Spain made it clear that an exit from this tournament is looming large.
Their disappointing campaign has seen calls being made for Flick to be sacked as they failed to move past the group stage.
Flick responded to the rumors by speaking to the media after the game against Costa Rica
“We’ll work that out quickly, it’s difficult to answer now right after the game when we’re eliminated. We’ll see about that soon.”
Ahead of the match against Costa Rica Flick said that he won’t resign even if Germany doesn’t qualify for the knockout stages. He wants to be in charge of the team for the 2024 UEFA Euro.
“I can only confirm the future from my side – that I have a contract until 2024 and that I am looking forward to the European Championships at home. I don’t feel any pressure – and I didn’t feel any pressure after the defeat to Japan. We didn’t have much time before the tournament and the longer we’re together the more we improve.”
Since taking over last year Flick has managed the German side for 488 days. During those 488 days, the Germans have played 19 matches where they have won 11 times, drawn six, and lost 2. It will be interesting to see whether Flick remains with the German side as the four-time World Champions will now eye European glory by winning the 2024 UEFA Euros.
Joshua Kimmich reacts to Germany’s elimination from the 2022 FIFA World Cup
Germany player Joshua Kimmich is devasted over Germany’s exit from the FIFA World Cup.
The Bayern Munich star said the day marked the worst of his professional career. Speaking after the game (via Daily Mail), the 27-year-old said.
“This was the worst day of my career. I’m afraid I’ll fall into a hole. It makes you think that these failures are connected to my person.”
‘We messed up in 2018, then we blew up the Euros last year,’ he said.
Germany is now set to head home, while Spain will play Morocco in the last 16 and Japan will face Croatia.
