Germany’s style turns even more aggressive as World Cup qualifiers commence in Europe

Since its total makeover almost 10 years ago, Germany has been two things that everyone can appreciate (whether you are a fan of Die Mannschaft or not): winning soccer and attractive, exciting soccer.

Under Jurgen Klinsmann’s reign, Germany moved toward a style that was more exotic, less stodgy and pragmatic. His replacement, Joachim Loew, kept the party going, success-wise and stylistically. It all served Germany well; the venerable national side placed third in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, plus a runner-up spot at Euro 2008. Germany went to the semifinals once again at Euro 2012.

So, is there more? Can Germany move of the plateau?

Loew (pictured) says the nation can – but they’ll need to change. They’ll need to be even more aggressive. This should be exciting. What he had to say, ahead of tomorrow’s initial World Cup qualifier for the 2014 World Cup.

We will have to completely change our tactics – which used to be, ‘if we have the ball we are active, if not we drop back. Our aim in the next months will be to play a high pressing game, even against attacking sides. We have to be more active when defending without the ball. Everyone has to play their part and this gives us quite a lot of work to do in training but we have to tackle this now. Before the European Championship there was not enough time.”

Germany meets Faroe Islands on Friday at Hanover’s AWD Arena. The far tougher assignment comes four days later as Loew’s men meet Austria in Vienna.