The last German teams had Lahm, and you had to get past him to put Germany behind. The previous sides had Ballack, who could tear you to pieces if you messed with his side. They had Schweinsteiger who stepped up to the plate and delivered every time it was asked of him.
Before that, they had Oliver Kahn – and that should be enough. Now, this does not mean that Neuer is not a great captain, but as a keeper there is only so much you can do ON the field. Your best performance will be to ensure that your team doesn’t lose.
Every champion side has had a minimum of one of those players who can run on to the field and fill you with hope. Liverpool had Gerrard. Chelsea had John Terry. Barcelona had Carlos Puyol. Real Madrid has Ramos, who is ready to commit everything except murder for his side.
That seemed to be the biggest chink in Germany’s armour. Kroos does not exhibit the same swagger at Madrid, and the rest of the team is filled with players – players, but not leaders. When they needed a goal, they still tried to find it by passing around in the usual manner.
There was nobody to turn to. There was nobody to take the ball and say, “Leave this to me.” But this is too late. The dream is over. No gesichte will be written zussamen now. It is time to bid goodbye to Russia and take the long, long flight back home.