Flick criticized ‘passive’ Germany after Belgium loss

Hansi Flick criticized Germany’s timid performance as Belgium “fully capitalized” and gained an insurmountable lead in Tuesday’s 3-2 friendly victory in Cologne.

Domenico Tedesco’s new-look Belgium team took a 2-0 lead within the first nine minutes at RheinEnergieStadion, thanks to goals scored by Yannick Carrasco and Romelu Lukaku.

Germany was without their youngster Musiala who got injured recently.

Niclas Fullkrug scored a penalty, making it his sixth goal in six international appearances, which brought Flick’s team back into the game.

Flick believes Germany should use their friendly matches better

However, Kevin De Bruyne, who had created Belgium’s first two goals, scored again, putting the game out of reach.

Even though Serge Gnabry managed to score a late consolation goal, Flick admitted that there was no way back after Tedesco’s team punished Germany’s woeful start and secured Belgium’s first victory against Germany since 1954.

“We were too cautious, too passive and weren’t able to put our opponents under pressure, and Belgium took full advantage,” Flick said.

“Our passion brought us back into contention, but it wasn’t quite enough to get a result.”

Germany must improve and utilize their international friendlies despite automatically qualifying for Euro 2024 as a host nation, although Flick was given reason for hope by a late fightback.