Picking up the Pieces – What lies next for slain giants?

Germany, Spain and Portugal have two things in common, they have all won major international honours since 2012 and they have all failed to progress further than the round of 16 of this year’s World Cup. So what has gone wrong for these teams and what do they need to do to so that they can get back to former glories?

Germany – World Cup Exit: Group Stage

The tournament favourites who, not even a year prior, casually won the Confederations Cup with a team of players who weren’t first choices, falling at the first hurdle. Key players flattered to deceive and fell to defeats to South Korea and Mexico, Sweden will also feel unlucky to lose their match in the last minute to some Toni Kroos magic. The side lacked real pace and incision and that showed in all three matches.

What can they do?

There are a few issues facing Die Mannschaft in the years to come, many of the side that won in 2014 are at that same level, or even playing. There is an argument that the style needs to change but the 4 time world champions are still under the guidance of Joachim Low, so it’s likely he’ll just adapt an alteration of their style, as he has done admirably over his 12 year stint as national team manager.

It’s most likely that younger players will have a higher emphasis for the time coming, with three new players being given their first call ups for the UEFA Nations League, Schalke’s Thilo Kehrer, Hoffenheim’s Nico Schulz and Leverkusen’s Kai Havertz will all provide a new dimension to the German squad. Mesut Ozil’s international departure under a cloud will need to be dealt with quickly but the depth of talent for Low to pick from is to the envy of almost every other major nation.

Spain – World Cup Exit: Round of 16

What could have been? That might as well be the tag line for the Spanish World Cup. Josep Lopetegui was given his marching orders with less than 48 hours to go before the first group game against Iberian rivals Portugal and Fernando Hierro was given the thankless job of having to put the pieces back together. He performed admirably as the aging side finished top of their group and were backed as the favourites to beat host nation Russia in the Round of 16, but lost out in a penalty shootout.

What can they do?

Ultimately, this Spain side are very much in a catch 22 situation. Do they move completely on from the last remnants of that side that won back-to-back European Championships and a World Cup or do you put faith in those players to still deliver the goods?

Luis Enrique has proven in his first match against England, a 2-1 victory at Wembley, that he is ready to bring in fresh faces but that, more importantly, there is still a role for players like Sergio Ramos, Sergio Busquets and, underfire goalkeeper, David de Gea. The overall performance against England was one of control and the ability to win a game, regardless of how exciting the style is.

In summary, Spain still have some distance to cover if they are to reclaim their crown but the signs are certainly positive and with a manager in charge who will guide the players on exactly what he wants, the future looks bright for the Iberian nation.

Portugal – World Cup Exit: Round of 16

Portugal shocked almost everyone in the football world in 2016, stealing away the European Championships from hosts and clear favourites, France. That victory, coupled with the fact that most of that squad were still around the team, led many to see them as a real force to be reckoned with. Cristiano Ronaldo exploded into life in the first game against fierce rivals Spain, with a hat-trick that included a real contender for goal of the tournament.

That was followed, however, by two unconvincing performances against Morocco and Iran, which meant that they were forced to play South American side Uruguay, a team that had cruised through a relatively simple group and brushed Ronaldo and co. aside. That performance was extremely poor from the European champions and really illustrated some fairly gaping holes in the side, especially in defence.

What can they do?

Age had caught up with several key players in the Portugal side, with many over 30 and not in their prime. That appears to have been dealt with by Fernando Santos, with Ruben Dias, Gedson Fernandes and Rony Lopes all being introduced to the squad. A strong 1-1 draw with World Cup runners-up Croatia in a friendly is a good first foot forward after a disappointing World Cup and there are signs of life in the squad. It is vital that Santos continue to put faith in youth if Portugal are going to get the best out of the next few tournaments.

Will these elite nations manage to reach past glories in the next few years? Let me know in the comments and in the forums!