How Germany’s World Cup campaign fell apart: Players turning up late to meetings, Hansi Flick comparing his team to geese and cows – and not enjoying their football like Brazil… All or Nothing documentary details their tumultuous tournament

A new All or Nothing documentary has shed light on the issues that led to Germany’s second consecutive defeat in the World Cup group stage.

The latest addition to Amazon’s ever-growing roster of behind-the-scenes series, released on September 8, promises to be the most explosive football offering to date, after focusing on the tumultuous time Hansi Flick’s side faced in Qatar.

Germany – who won the 2014 World Cup – went into the tournament with high hopes, but their campaign was dominated by unrest between players, a perceived lack of support from fans at home and delicate political issues, with the team taking just four points. third in their group.

And in episodes two and three of the new documentary, several clips show how their tournament fell apart.

This included a lack of player punctuality, with Armel Bella-Kotchap and Julian Brandt both showing up late to team meetings ahead of their crucial clash with Spain, much to Flick’s anger.

Bella-Kotchap was the first to be late two days after the game against La Roja, with Flick sending a stark warning to his players at the time: ‘Okay guys, it’s a matter of discipline. Even if there is a lot going on, be on time from now on, otherwise … you will contribute to the cash register.’

The four-time winners looked to recover after a shock 2-1 loss in their opening game against Japan.

Germany had played quite well throughout the game, missing several chances in the first half before conceding two late goals.

In episode three, midfielder Joshua Kimmich admitted the toll the loss was taking on the team.

He explained: “Right after Japan’s defeat, I looked around the dressing room and it looked like we were already out.”

The mood didn’t improve much just a day after the game against Spain, when this time Julian Brandt was not in time for the pre-match tactical meeting.

An irate Flick added, “Okay guys, this is the last time I talk about this. This is the last time.

“Yesterday some guys were late. It has to do with respect and appreciation for others. That’s my opinion and I think you share that opinion.’

Flick’s attempts to motivate his side also produced an interesting take, with the 58-year-old using the example of geese to pump up his side ahead of the clash with Japan.

Presenting a video of them flying through the air in a group, several captions were added to a scrolling ticker after Flick said, “Get inspired (by this video).”

The ticker included phrases such as “World Championship 2022 our big flight” and “let’s learn from the geese and take flight together.”

Flick then addressed the room to try to elicit additional motivation from his side on the eve of their World Cup campaign.

“Grey geese don’t really have anything to do with us, but they’ve developed a system that allows them to reach someone wonderful,” he said.

‘If everyone adheres to the rules, they succeed in increasing their flight range by more than 70 percent. I think the movie showed that well.

“It is important that we as a team behave in such a way that we behave as a team on the field, but also when we are here together.

“If we internalize that, we can go very far and for me, this is the most important thing for me. Always protect the team, every one of you here.

“If there are times when things aren’t going so well, we’ll protect you. We will protect you. Let’s go fly together.’

Dissecting the game against Japan at a team meeting, Flick also used another bizarre phrase to reflect on a game where Germany regretted several missed opportunities.

He said, “There is a saying that sums up how I felt last night. It says “what good is a cow that gives you 10 liters of milk during the day, but knocks over the bucket with her tail at night”… that’s how I felt last night.

“We had chances, I think we had 78 percent possession in the first half. We didn’t score. We weren’t efficient enough. In the end we punished ourselves.’

Meanwhile, in the final stages of Germany’s run-up to their clash with Spain, Flick tried to encourage his side to enjoy their football more, saying: ‘This is a final. One last chance to stay in the tournament. I expect everyone to embrace that. Forget what happened. We just talked about politics, now it’s about embracing this World Cup.

‘That’s why we’re here. That’s our job. It’s your job. To compete against the best of the best. I expect each of you to be a fighter, to be someone who decides this match.

And when I see the Brazilians celebrating their goals, how euphoric and full of joy they are, that’s great, that’s football. That’s what I want from my team.’

Germany – who were knocked out of the group stage in 2018 – finally got a lifeline as Costa Rica beat Japan 1-0, but Flick’s side then needed a late Niclas Fullkrug goal to salvage a point against Spain.

Fullkrug and Kai Havertz scored again late as they came from behind to beat Costa Rica in their final game, but Spain’s defeat to Japan meant they were eliminated on goal difference.