Netherlands V Germany: Rating the German Players in Group B's Heavyweight Clash

Any other day and it would have been a fixture for the finals, but fate had deemed that these two titans, Germany and The Netherlands, square off in the group stages.

It was a promising game and lived up to expectations, although Germany clearly looked the far superior team. They pressed hard, defended well, and laid inch perfect passes to one another. In comparison, Holland played wayward presses and looked shambolic in defence.

The midfield was completely overrun, and the Dutch failed to capitalize on the few chances they had.

The game finished 2-1. 

The Dutch still have hope though—the scenario for their advancement into the last eight being that Denmark loses to Germany, and they win over Portugal by a margin of at least two goals.

This was a good result for the Germans which sees them through to the knockout phases, unless both Portugal and Denmark stage remarkable upsets. Here are the ratings for the German players.

Goalkeeper:

It was a relatively quiet game, but he showed composure to deal with some threats, especially those of Robin van Persie. His distribution was also better than his counterpart, and he kept mistakes to a bare minimum.

Manuel Neuer: 7/10

Defenders

The German defence was simply spectacular today, especially after the first two goals. It looked to be shaky at first and was penetrated too easily, but the four defenders worked effectively and thwarted most of the Dutch attacks.

Mats Hummels was spectacular yet again, even making a marauding run in the Oranje’s box which almost resulted in a goal.

Likewise, Holger Badstuber also showed great calm at the heart of the defence and left the Dutch players frustrated on more than a few occasions. He was also strong aerially, and his concentrated improved as the match progressed.

Jerome Boateng also had a good game under his belt, and he blocked a crucial shot which looked to be heading goal-wards.

The German Captain, Philipp Lahm, also worked tirelessly, making great runs and making a handful of tackles, six to be precise. Yet another captain’s performance from Germany’s Mr. Dependable.

Mats Hummels: 9/10

Holger Badstuber: 7/10

Jerome Boateng: 8/10

Philipp Lahm: 8/10

Midfielders:

Germany’s five-man midfield completely dominated against the Dutch, stifling them in every endeavour and setting up attacking teammates. While Sami Khedira had a relatively quiet game, he closed the Dutch midfield down efficiently.

His compatriot, Bastian Schweinsteiger, had a phenomenal game, proving yet again why he is so valuable for Die Mannschaft. He assisted both the goals, made crucial tackles, and was an overwhelming presence in midfield. He is my pick for man-of-the-match.

Sami Khedira: 6.5/10

Bastain Schweinsteiger: 9.5/10

Thomas Müller and Lukas Podolski, in my opinion, were disappointing yet again and failed to make a mark on the game. Müller’s passing was especially wayward and much is left to be desired from him. Both of them need to improve their wing and link up play. I have been harsh in rating them, as I believe they have to stamp themselves upon the game to bolster Germany’s chances of winning the trophy this time around.

Mesut Özil proved yet again why he is such a valuable asset for both Real Madrid and the German National team with his attacking and creative flair. He looked as a potent attacking threat, both while setting up teammates or taking a shot himself. In the 8^th minute, he threatened the Dutch goal missing only by inches and hitting the post. He also won back possession, making three tackles and intercepting numerous times.

Thomas Müller: 5.5/10

Lukas Podolski: 5.5/10

Mestu Özil: 8.5/10

Striker

Mario Gomez was the lone striker for the Germans, and boy, did he deliver. His first goal was simply superb; he picked up a pass from Schweinsteiger, made a Zidane-esque turn and slotted the ball home.

His second goal was also similarly spectacular, blasting the ball into the top left corner from the right side of the box.

Mario Gomez: 9/10

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