Will Musiala be the key to breaking Germany’s cycle of failure?

Perhaps no team has caused more heartbreak for football fans in Bangladesh during a single World Cup edition than Germany. Twelve years ago, they claimed their fourth World Cup title after leaving both Brazil and Argentina in tears. Now, the Germans are set to enter the historic 48-team World Cup as they chase Brazil’s record of five titles. Will the magic of their biggest star, Jamal Musiala, be enough to turn the tide for Julian Nagelsmann’s side?

Chaos in front of goal

In the 2014 semi-final, Germany humiliated Brazil with a "seven-up" defeat—a scar that Seleção fans still carry today. In the final, they broke the hearts of Lionel Messi’s Argentina to clinch the trophy.

Whether due to the "curse" of Brazil and Argentina or otherwise, Germany’s performance in the following two World Cups was disastrous. Following that peak, the dominant force of European football failed to even progress past the group stages in both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

The German side that once drowned Brazil in a flood of goals struggled desperately to find the net in subsequent tournaments. The four-time world champions managed only four goals in the 2018 World Cup and just one in 2022. Such performances from a star-studded squad were incomprehensible to German supporters.

Reliance on Musiala and Wirtz

Many coaches have remarked that Jamal Musiala doesn't need to be taught tactics; he has been proficient in them since birth! As one of the most talented players in modern football, Musiala is Germany’s primary hope for this World Cup.

At Bayern Munich, he is affectionately called "Magic Man." When the ball is at his feet, it seems glued to his shoes. With incredible dribbling, sudden changes of direction, and the ability to fool goalkeepers with a shot in the blink of an eye, the 23-year-old forward is an extraordinary "package."

Some go a step further, viewing Musiala as a blend of Messi, Zidane, and Kaká. Despite the weight of such high praise, he hasn't let it affect his performance. Whether for club or country, he has been the heartbeat of Germany over the past few years.

However, many goals did not come from Musiala's feet during this qualifying round. He played 148 minutes across six matches, scoring only once.

For Bayern so far this season, Musiala has played 21 matches. In 952 minutes on the pitch, he has scored 5 goals and provided 6 assists.

Fans can certainly hope that Musiala has saved his best for the World Cup. While Musiala creates moments of magic, Florian Wirtz is the primary architect of that magic. The young star is a master of precision passing on the wings. Beyond just assists, the 23-year-old has secured numerous victories for his team by finding the back of the net himself.

Wirtz suffered a devastating injury in 2022, leading many to fear his career was over at just 19. However, he made a comeback, even though his current season at Liverpool has not been his best.

In total, Wirtz has appeared in 47 matches for Liverpool this season, scoring 7 goals and providing 9 assists. For Germany in the current qualifiers, he has 1 goal and 2 assists in 6 matches.

Many believe that Wirtz will return to his peak form while wearing the German jersey, becoming the central pillar of the team's midfield. The team's success in the qualifiers was largely built on his excellent understanding with Musiala. Supporters are hopeful that this duo will revitalize a German side that had previously stalled.

Who will break Germany’s ironclad defense?

The backline may lack the legendary names of the past, but the German defense still stands tall against opposition attacks with ease. Captain Joshua Kimmich serves as the leader of Nagelsmann’s defense.

It is also expected that Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger, another star defender, will recover from injury and return to the squad before the World Cup.

Germany excelled in the qualifiers behind the Kimmich-Rüdiger partnership, conceding only 3 goals in 6 matches—an average of about 0.5 per game. If the defense maintains this form during the World Cup, the coach can certainly expect success.

With two star defenders on the flanks and Nico Schlotterbeck and Jonathan Tah in the center, the morale of the unit will be bolstered from the bench by Robin Koch, Thilo Kehrer, and Benjamin Henrichs.

Intense competition in the midfield

The midfield is currently considered Germany’s weakest area, leaving the coach in a dilemma over who will take charge.

Emre Can is sidelined with an injury, and his participation in the World Cup remains a major question mark. Consequently, the experienced Leon Goretzka is likely to lead the German midfield.

Aleksandar Pavlović, Felix Nmecha, and Anton Stach are expected to support Goretzka. The primary focus for this group will be maintaining ball control and effectively transitioning play to the attackers.
Germany’s World Cup dream rests on a formidable attack
The German attack will be centered around the Musiala-Wirtz partnership. Serge Gnabry’s exclusion from the World Cup is a major blow for Nagelsmann's side, while doubts remain over another star player, Kai Havertz, due to injury. If fit, the Arsenal forward is certain to secure a spot in the starting eleven.

Leroy Sané and Jamie Leweling are also part of Nagelsmann's plans, alongside 18-year-old Lennart Karl. Despite his young age, the Bayern Munich forward has delivered impressive performances in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League.

Following Manuel Neuer's retirement from international football, the goalkeeping position has turned into a game of musical chairs. Nagelsmann is left to decide whether Marc-André ter Stegen or Oliver Baumann will ultimately guard the goalposts.

Nagelsmann favors a 4-2-3-1 formation, but there are concerns over whether the wave of injuries will allow him to field his preferred lineup.

Can Germany break the cycle of disappointment?

The German squad has undergone a total overhaul since the 2022 World Cup. With senior players like Thomas Müller and Toni Kroos stepping aside, a host of new faces have joined the team. Under Nagelsmann, this young German side has become formidable.

Their dominant performance in the qualifiers sends a clear message to their opponents: they will not allow a repeat of 2018 or 2022.

With Italy missing out on this World Cup after failing to qualify, Germany stands alone in chasing Brazil with four titles. The question remains: can the Germans return home with a fifth star on their jersey?