Germany
Tactics
Joachim Low’s preferred tactical template is a compact 4-4-2 in which the defensive and forward lines should be no more than 30 metres apart.
With the defence playing a high line, Lehmann has to be constantly ready to dash from his goal to avert danger. Low admires the keeper’s footballing qualities and his quick, precise distribution.
Of the midfield quartet, the wide men (Schneider, right, and Schweinsteiger, left) have a predominantly creative role and are expected to supply lots of crosses. Each receives solid support from the full-backs.
Ballack to the max?
The two central midfielders sit deeper. The all-action Frings has the more destructive role, while Ballack’s brief is part holder, part playmaker. Some complain that the system does not utilise Ballack to the full, that it limits the number of late runs he makes into the box. Low responds that a six-man block behind the ball is the best way to face down the opposition’s attacking intentions. An alternative in midfield is to use a diamond, with Ballack at the point, the wide players coming narrower and a ball-winner minding the back four.
At the last World Cup, the front line comprised two very mobile players in Klose and Podolski. Now, Low tends to pair Klose with a more fixed, physical striker – Gomez or Kuranyi. With Germany placing so much emphasis on penetration out wide,
it makes sense to have two very strong headers of the ball waiting in the middle.
Kuranyi, Lahm and 4-1-4-1
In the friendly victory over England at Wembley last August, Low experimented with a 4-1-4-1 featuring Kuranyi as the lone striker and usual full-back Lahm in the holding role.
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