Flick's Germany falters again as Colombia make history
After two underwhelming displays against Ukraine and Poland, German attention turned towards a meeting with Colombia in Gelsenkirchen. Under fire boss Hansi Flick rang in the changes – the benching of Kimmich for Gündoğan the biggest surprise of them all. Meanwhile Wolf, Gosens, Goretzka, and Sané replaced Kehrer, Henrichs, Hofmann, and Wirtz.
However, if German fans’ thought they witnessed the last of their side’s cagey performances this week, they would be sadly mistaken. A determined Colombia wrote themselves into the history books with a dominant 2-0 win over Die Mannschaft.
The initial opening chance fell to the South American visitors in the 15th minute – Juan Cuadrado’s cross from the right found the advancing Mina. Despite the centre half outjumping Emre Can, the headed effort sailed harmlessly wide. Colombia had every intention of making hay inside the game’s opening quarter. This time the familiar face of Frankfurt’s Rafael Borré latched onto Uribe’s delivery only for Ter Stegen to gather.
However, if German fans’ thought they witnessed the last of their side’s cagey performances this week, they would be sadly mistaken. A determined Colombia wrote themselves into the history books with a dominant 2-0 win over Die Mannschaft.
Malick Thiaw’s efforts against Poland last Friday made for one of seldom few points of optimism for Germany. The ex-Schalke defender came to his country’s rescue with a sublime last gasp tackle to deny Luiz Díaz. The resulting corner eventually found its way to Yerry Mina, who this time forced Ter Stegen to tip the shot over the bar. Germany’s sole opportunity of the half came a minute before the interval – Havertz and Musiala combined but Vargas saved with ease. A chorus of disgruntled boos accompanied the half’s end.
Colombia left off where they started and broke the deadlock in style on 54 minutes. Skipper Juan Cuadrado whipped the ball centrally towards Luiz Díaz. The winger hung in the air like a feather, cushioning his header beyond Ter Stegen for 1-0. With alarm bells ringing, Flick introduced Füllkrug for Can after the hour mark. Albeit slowly, Germany appeared to come out of their slumber with 20 minutes to play.
This would be short-lived however as Colombia bagged an 82nd minute penalty. Substitute Joshua Kimmich the guilty party, whose hand met ball in an unorthodox position. Cuadrado remained ice cool in spite of Ter Stegen’s goal-line antics – the spot kick tucked into the bottom left corner. A customary backflip-summersault celebration followed, as Colombia ensured a historic first ever victory over Germany on a 2-0 scoreline. A result that will inevitably place further pressure on the shoulders of Hansi Flick.