The German national football team wants to be the world’s best once again at the World Cup in Qatar. After being eliminated in the preliminary round of the 2018 World Cup and in the last 16 at the 2021 European Championship, the former world champions want another title. But again their journey ends in the preliminary round. Exclusive behind-the-scenes insights show their dramatic failure.
DirectorChristian Twente
WriterMatthias Bittner
The flight into the unknown
Sep 8, 2023
At the beginning of November 2022, the German team starts its mission to win the title in Qatar. But the usual euphoria is missing. The preparation has been mixed and many fans in Germany reject the “Desert World Cup” in the winter. Hansi Flick doesn’t want to have to talk about politics any more, but wants to get football enthusiasm going at home with his players. Does his plan succeed?
The captain’s armband
Sep 8, 2023
The opening match against Japan is coming up, but instead of talking about football, all eyes are on a piece of cloth: The scandal surrounding captain Manuel Neuer’s armband is dominating the headlines. How much do the discussions off the pitch affect the players? During the football match Germany loses 1-2 to Japan and finds itself once again with its back to the wall.
The goosebumps moment
Sep 8, 2023
Now the German team needs to win against Spain, of all teams, or they will be eliminated from the preliminary round. Behind the scenes, the analysis of mistakes is open and ruthless. The team spirit is right and confidence is returning. Niklas Füllkrug, who was only selected for the squad at the last minute, is causing goosebumps in the dressing room and on the pitch.
The end of all dreams
Sep 8, 2023
If the German team wants to progress into the last 16 on its own merits, a big win against Costa Rica in the last match is a must. But at half-time the score is only 1:0, and coach Hansi Flick shows his unusual side in his dressing room speech. But everything goes against him and his team in the second half. The view into the dressing room after the final whistle tells it all - no comment.
