Saturday saw unwanted history made in Wolfsburg as for the first time in the 21st century, Germany lost a third consecutive international fixture.
‘Die Mannschaft’ were thrashed 1-4 in humiliating fashion by Japan, who dominated Hansi Flick’s side throughout and were rewarded with a resounding victory. This result means that Germany have now won just four of their last 17 international matches.
The full-time whistle was greeted by loud boos and whistles from German supporters who remained inside Volkswagen Arena, with many having departed even before Japan added their third and fourth goals, scored in the 90th and 92nd minute respectively. Whilst the fixture was only a friendly, fans have become understandably frustrated with Germany’s results over a significant period of time and expected not just a win, but also a commanding performance. They got neither.
The result piles the pressure further on head coach Flick, whose job is rumoured to be under significant threat with Germany having won only 12 of their 25 games played under his stewardship. The former World Cup winning assistant was defiant in his post-match press conference, stating that he is still the right man for the job. But whether the DFB agree remains to be seen.
Junya Ito broke the deadlock for Japan after just 11 minutes before Leroy Sane drew Germany level. But only three minutes later, the hosts found themselves behind again, this time through Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda.
Those hoping for a significant improvement from Germany in the second-half were disappointed, as Japan looked comfortably the better team and were rewarded late in the piece with two further goals.
The home side are back in action on Tuesday in another friendly, this time against France in Dortmund. Whether Hansi Flick will be in the German dugout for that one remains to be seen.
