World Cup 2022 - Team and Match Discussion

I thought at the start they'd grow into the tournament, which they are now, and that game will bring them on hugely. Their confidence, team unity and workmanlike approach is back, which was lacking under Lowe for several tournaments. Had that been a knock-out game, Germany had them beat all ends up.

It's a marathon, not a sprint, and like Italy in tournament football, Germany grow into it. What both do best is go under the radar and turn over flaky favourites, which is what this tournament is full of...Brazil, Spain, Argentina, France etc. Would you really back against Germany turning them over in a battle of attrition in extra time when it really matters?

Germany have been better than their one point suggests and have been a tad unlucky so far, but they'll continue to improve, coming in unfancied. This is what Germany do best, just watch the grinding unfold!

Germany, like Italy, carry something that is priceless. A winners belief and mentality no other team carries. Brazil of course often win as they were so far ahead quality wise at times, but when they aren't, their confidence looks shot.

Germany and Italy have a culture of winning and it's ingrained in the national psyche. How many times have they been up against it and outplayed, but were the team still standing? History doesn't lie. These two teams carry a belief passed on for generations, that they'll win. Doesn't always happen, but more often than not they will win.

The German squad deep down really believe they can win it, like Italy at the Euros, and are quietly confident. I look at the other teams and I don't think they can say the same, I see doubt and hope in most, don't genuinely carry that winners mentality and steadfast confidence.

Make no mistake, when it really matters Germany will be in the mix. Not even Brazil can match them in consistency at the world cup. This is what Germany do, again and again!