Goal-shy Mueller pines for his scoring boots
Goal-shy forward says Germany cannot afford to be wasteful in knockout rounds
Germany and their normally prolific strker Thomas Mueller bemoaned missed chances at Euro 2016 as the world champions scored just one goal against Northern Ireland yesterday morning (Singapore time).
The Germans had 21 attempts on goal at the Parc des Princes to just two for their opponents, but only Mario Gomez was able to beat inspired Northern Ireland goalkeeper Michael McGovern or the woodwork.
Germany won Group C and head to a last-16 match in Lille on Sunday against Albania, Slovakia or the third-placed team in Portugal's Group F.
But Mueller (inset) admitted Die Mannschaft must be more clinical in future rounds.
"The goals were lacking. I alone could have drawn level in the scorers' list. We were greedy," Mueller said.
"There were improvements in our play but, of course, we weren't 100 per cent happy. We had more chances than in the last eight games."
The Bayern Munich star combined with Gomez to create the goal on 30 minutes. He also hit the post and the crossbar in the first half. Germany could not increase their goal margin, despite a lively performance from Gomez and Mario Goetze.
Mueller has scored 10 goals at World Cup Finals but has yet to find the net in a European Championship Finals.
With a potential quarter-final against Italy or title holders Spain looming, defender Mat Hummels said Germany cannot afford to be so wasteful as the tournament progresses.
"We played well and we were convincing, but we didn't score nearly enough. That was really lacking today," said Hummels.
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"When we play against the really top teams, we'll have to give it that little bit more."
Coach Joachim Loew also bemoaned the missed opportunities.
"We created some very good chances, but also squandered a few. They had no chances, but we needed to have had more purpose and consistency in front of goal," Loew said.
"It was good in terms of the football we played, but we should have been more dominant."
- AFP.
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