International Friendly: Connecticut Friendly Should Act As Barometer

USA vs Germany

Believe it or not, the US – until three decades ago considered among the whipping boys of international football – are currently higher in FIFA world rankings than Germany – for so long considered one of the powerhouses of not just European but world football.

Now that really does need putting into perspective.

This SBOTOP observer’s view may be considered antiquated by some but, to me, the rankings are a limited barometer of how a nation is faring.

So are international friendly highlights as, unlike the World Cup and individual continental championships, they are not always a priority for the giants of the game.

Yet that would also go some way to explaining why the Germans are so far off the pace.

Talking Points

Because if you recall that madcap night in early December last year when the axis of the football world was turned on its head and upside down, you’ll know that was when the four-times world champions, Die Mannschaft, bowed out of the competition for the second time in a row at the group stage.

And, in truth, matters have not improved too much since then.

In fact, it’s only a matter of weeks since Julian Nagelsmann was appointed new head coach with the former Bayern Munich boss succeeding Hansi Flick as they look to undo poor recent form ahead of Euro 2024.

Since the start of the tournament in Qatar, the 2014 world champions have won just three of the ten matches they have played, including five defeats.

Despite recently defeating France 2-1 in a friendly last month, they had previously gone down to three straight reverses, including a 4-1 hammering by Japan, a 2-0 loss to Colombia and a 1-0 defeat by Poland.

It was the former which led to the departure of Flick who, like his successor, had good credentials,

In anticipation of the tournament on home soil, Nagelsmann says he is hoping to make his side a ‘close-knit group’ by next year.

The former head coach of Bayern Munich guided the Bavarians to the Bundesliga title in 2022 as well as the German Super Cup in 2022 and again in last season.

The 36 year-old enjoyed a successful spell in charge, losing just 10 of his 84 games in charge at the club, before shockingly being sacked by his club while away on a skiing holiday earlier this year.

Can he succeed where Flick failed?

This is arguably a new starting point for the Germans, while the friendly in Connecticut will also tell us something about the US.

Certainly, the World Cup in Qatar was a tournament they could look back on with a degree of pride, reaching the last-16 where they were edged out by Holland.

On that occasion, it was the same old story for the Americans, who finished with more shots (17 to 11), more shots on target (eight to six), more passes (564 to 412) and a greater share of possession (58% to 42%), but lacked the ruthlessness and professional edge of the Dutch.

They remain a young team and, despite their disappointment failing to defend the Gold Cup during a Stateside football feast on home soil this summer, perhaps they will be considered more of a force when they are co-hosts for the 2026 World Cup.

The Americans’ stated goal ahead of 2022: “Change the way the world views American soccer.” This time around, it’s “Change soccer in the United States forever.”
Changing the sport won’t be just about making a deep run in the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada.

Coach Gregg Berhalter believes this generation of young talent has the ability to change perceptions with their personalities and individual star power, as well, and the team’s performance in the lead-up to the tournament, most notably in the 2024 Copa America, will also be important in shifting mindsets.

Ultimately then, this friendly against an established footballing nation trying to impress a new boss could prove a useful barometer for both of what is to follow.

History

Believe it or not, the sides had not met until the US Cup in 1993 – the tournament that perhaps started to change the mindset of US football from perennial whipping boys ahead of them hosting the World Cup 12 months later.

It ended as a seven goal thriller in Chicago with a Jurgen Klinsmann goal and a Karl-Heinz Riedle hat-trick winning the day in Germany’s favour.

Their most recent clash came in a 2015 friendly in Cologne when the Statesiders won 2-1 against the reigning world champions.

Mix Diskerud and Bobby Wood scored that day after Matip Gotze had put the Germans ahead.

Betting Tip

The Germans are priced 1X2 @ 1.88 and Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 1.89 with the boys from the ‘Stars and Stripes’ on offer to back 1X2 @ 3.35 and Asian Handicap +0.50 @ 1.93.

The SBOTOP international friendly betting odds show the draw will pay out @ 3.45. That is an interesting option as in 11 meetings (seven German triumphs, four US successes) there has never been a draw.

I think the Germans will have the edge this time.

 

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