Nagelsmann Revolution Continues As Germany Beat The Netherlands 2-1

Two games against giants, two wins. The Julian Nagelsmann revolution that started so well against France on Saturday continued Tuesday with a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands. Maximilian Mittelstädt (11’) and Niclas Füllkrug (85’) scored the goals that overturned an early Dutch goal scored by Joey Veerman (4’).

In some ways, this was the more impressive of the two victories. Sure, the Netherlands isn’t the same top favorite for the title as France, but the Dutch are Germany’s biggest rivals and brought a much higher intensity to the game than Les Bleus. Furthermore, by going up by one goal early, the Dutch provided something France didn’t: adversity.

Some of that adversity was definitely homemade, as Antonio Rüdiger slipped up and allowed Veerman to score an easy goal against goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen. What came next, however, was brilliant. Germany not only responded but stuck to its game plan and slowly but surely ground down the guests at the sold-out Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt.

Until Mittelstädt scored the equalizer. That goal was a fitting moment for this newly assembled Germany squad. Not only was returnee Toni Kroos once again the architect, but it was also another set-piece, this time a corner, that led to the goal.

First of all, set pieces have become once again a priority for Germany and Nagelsmann’s team would actually score the winner from a corner as well, with Kroos once again the provider. The goal scored by Mittelstädt once again looked like it was straight out of the lab of set piece coach Mads Buttgereit.

While set pieces may have led to both goals, Germany also had several other chances to win this game. Thomas Müller and Jamal Musiala were both denied by the excellent Dutch keeper Bart Verbruggen.

That gets us to the second observation that stood out. Germany’s ability to produce chances was almost a throwback to the period leading up to the World Cup win in 2014. Germany would create many triangles, pass around the ball quickly, trying to find space to push into the final third and create chances.

Indeed, that’s why the Mittelstädt goal was so significant. Mittelstädt is one of four Stuttgart players in the squad. Third in the Bundesliga, the team coached by Sebastian Hoeneß, like leaders Leverkusen, is playing a possession-based style very much in the same vein as what we saw from Germany in both friendlies.

Germany became even more dangerous once Christian Führich—another Stuttgart player—came on for İlkay Gündoğan in the 59th minute. From then on, the triangle play and short passes seemed to have a much faster outlet, and if it hadn’t been for Musiala’s problematic footwork, Germany might have scored even more goals.

The numbers underline Germany’s dominance. Germany had 62% possession and completed 92% of its 726 passes, while the Netherlands completed just 89% of its 439 passes. It was very much a Leverkusen or Stuttgart-esque performance.

Does that mean everything was perfect? No, not entirely. The defense, although much improved, still had its moments of madness. Memphis Depay had a howler in the 61st minute, and Wout Weghorst should have scored the equalizer with just moments to go.

The fact that Germany could have been more effective in the attack and better in defense highlights that Nagelsmann still has work to do. But despite the shortcomings, Germany deserved both the victories and after months and years of bad results, Die Nationalmannschaft once again looks like a powerhouse. Just in time to host the European Championships.

Manuel Veth is the host of the Bundesliga Gegenpressing Podcast and the Area Manager USA at Transfermarkt. He has also been published in the Guardian, Newsweek, Howler, Pro Soccer USA, and several other outlets. Follow him on Twitter: @ManuelVeth and on Threads: @manuveth