World Cup qualifiers: national football team coach Hansi Flick seeks understanding

Hansi Flick got off to a successful start as a German coach, but it was bumpy. While Liechtenstein celebrated 0:2 against the former world champions in the World Cup qualifiers on Thursday night as a points win, the former Bayern coach had to explain the match to his team. “I also understand that fans in Germany may be a bit disappointed with the result,” the 56-year-old admitted. Flick’s request for understanding.

“In the end, you have to say it was just the beginning, and we are not completely satisfied with it. I can’t blame the team,” Flick said in St Gallen, while the Liechtenstein players celebrated with their fans. beer. “The match, the defeat, is almost like a victory for us,” said coach Martin Stoklasa, who once played for Reed.

Flick: There is a lack of confidence

Flick saw the fact that against the opponent, who was only concerned with defense, he was no more goals than Timo Werner (42) and Leroy Sane (77) due to a deeper weakness in DFB-Elf, who has been constantly shining. The End of the Age is driven by Joachim Loew. “What you can say is that the team does not have the confidence to score goals,” was Löw’s first realistic conclusion.

The learning curve should go up steadily and rapidly. Flick explained it. Just two days after returning from Switzerland by bus to Stuttgart, the next test is scheduled for Sunday (8.45pm / RTL live). In the first match of Group J, he will take first place in the group by defeating Armenia. “That is our goal,” Flick emphasized. Only the first place will attend the direct ticket to the World Cup in Qatar. After four rounds, the Armenians are one point ahead of Germany.

Italy sets a record

Italy, the European champions, and Spain, who reached the semi-finals of the European Championship, did not win on Thursday. While the Iberians lost 1:2 in Sweden, the Azzurri were able to enjoy a European record after beating Bulgaria 1:1 in Florence. This was the 35th consecutive match for Roberto Mancini’s team without defeat. Thus the record was set for Spain (2007 to 2009). Brazil managed to remain undefeated in 36 consecutive matches from 1993 to 1996.

Italy will meet Switzerland in Basel on Sunday. The Confederation, who have participated only twice in the World Cup, are ahead of the European champions in Group C after losing points, who now hold ten points after four matches. “Of course we would have liked to win at home in the first game after the European Championship. But I can’t say anything bad about the performance,” said Mancini. He just missed the last focus in front of the opposite goal.

In the only real opportunity after the end of the first half, the Bulgarians fired a shot from Cerro Immobile in front of the goal line. Italy advanced through Federico Chiesa (16th place), then Atanas Elio (39th place) scored Italy’s first goal in the World Cup qualifiers so far. After the final whistle, Mancini was already looking forward to the “important match” in Basel. The Swiss are missing Captain Granit Xhaka, who was confirmed to have the virus on Thursday. Xhaka was the only player who was not vaccinated or recovered. This presents a problem for the Swiss federation because it recently sent a letter with a vaccination recommendation to 300,000 licensed players.

Sweden deceived Spain

Spain suffered a painful defeat at Solna. Spain lost their last World Cup qualifying match 28 years ago – in March 1993. The Swedes now hold nine points after three rounds, while the former world champion scored just seven after four. Obviously, number one is in jeopardy. “Lucho, we have a problem,” wrote the sports newspaper “Marca” on the headline of team president Luis Enrique. Three points will play against Georgia on Sunday, which will require support. Sweden will return to Greece only on Wednesday.

The evening had started perfectly for the Spaniards with an early 1-0 victory for Carlos Soler (4). Alexander Isak (fifth), who played for Real Sociedad, managed to equalize before Victor Cleason (57) scored in the second half. What struck Spain again was the unhurt in the attack. Hardly noticed Gerard Moreno and Alvaro Morata. Luis Enrique is still looking for a striker. The national coach did not want to overlook the delicate situation: “We’re in trouble,” he admitted.

Video: Enrique talks about the loss to Sweden

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