[I watched the game live, but I’m blogging this afterward.]
England were tactically outmatched and outplayed virtually the entire game. Their 4-4-2 proved almost wholly unworkable in the midfield and it’s hard to believe their coach didn’t see it by half time. Disputed non-goal aside, Germany were still the far superior team today, and they continue to dominate teams that give their forwards and midfielders space. Additionally, we saw an incredibly potent counterattack. A poor English free kick was converted to a goal for Germany in roughly 12 seconds. That’s a blazingly fast attack, and it was impressive as anything.
England may lament the botched call that took away a goal, but by no stretch were they the better or equal of Germany today. Next week’s Argentina v. Germany game should be outstanding.