So the pundits have just been assessing the German weaknesses, and unsurprisingly it is the left side that has received the majority of the criticism. Firstly, the so-often out of position Marcell Jansen (caught ball watching for the Croatian strike), and secondly – it’s yesterday’s hero Lukas Podolski. 

Focussing on the latter of these sluggish individuals, it’s Podolski whose heat map (powered by the CPI) speaks volumes. Comparing him to the (yet again) industrious Michael Ballack, it is clear to see that German’s left winger is leaving young Marcell hopelessly exposed -with very little support. 

Content to spend the majority of the game hanging around in left midfield, we suggest that the German management fires a proverbial rocket up the behinds of several of their tournament favourites. Can they dredge 3 points out of this one – we have no doubt that they can, especially as Croatian fitness has been an issue.

They will certainly have to pick this up though!