"Who'd expect everything to be ideal after only 10 days together?" "We are a work in progress".
That was Low's challenge ahead of this Confederations Cup. At 28 and an attacking midfielder, Stindl was always going to struggle to be a part of the Germany team, but, perhaps unsurprisingly, here he is.
Germany sent on Timo Werner for the ineffectual Wagner, and the young RB Leipzig striker was causing Australia all sorts of problems with his pace, nearly scoring a fourth goal after a twisting and weaving run but could only manage to hit the post in the 75th minute. Joachim Low has named a very unfamiliar team in his recent call-up with names like Mats Hummels and Manuel Neuer not featrured; and so the Australian's have a decent chance of finding the back of the net. A more apt description might be that this is a mixture of seasoned supporting actors (Draxler, Jonas Hector, Mustafi) and up-and-comers (Julian Brandt, Leon Goretzka, Joshua Kimmich).
- Germany haven't conceded a first-half goal against Chile in any of their last five clashes, leading 1-0 at half-time in each of those games. Goretzka was bossing the midfield: "He has such a physical presence defensively but is so unsafe timing his forward runs", waxed Low.
One of the most titled and strongest team on the Asian continent, Australia's national team for all its history was remembered as predictable failures, and unexpected achievements. "We made it too easy for them". They added a third early in the second half and everything looked rosy. until it wasn't.
"Let's dispell one myth - when the teams walk out tomorrow, if I had to guess, I reckon we'd be younger", he said. If they too exhibit a winning habit (and that's without looking at the U21 outfit), then picking a 23-man squad for 2018 just got even harder for Löw.
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A personnel change at the break seemed to help Australia, as Massimo Luongo, who gave away a penalty on a night to forget, was substituted for Robbie Kruse, allowing Aaron Mooy to sit deeper and have more time on the ball.
Despite being under the cosh for the majority of the opening hour, Leno's lapses in concentration kept Australia in the contest and it was Ange Postecoglou's team who were pushing late on for an equaliser. We had a long trip over but they've recovered really well.
"Our stars should not be fearful (of losing their places) because they have been playing at a top-notch level and are world champions", Loew said.
But it can be a double-edged sword.
"We might not be there yet but look forward to the day when we do get it spot on".
"I watched them against Chile and saw they played on the counter attack. if they do that they definitely can be risky", he said. It's obvious I'm not happy with how my season went, as you've already said, but I'm hoping that next season I can start more games.
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