The apparently most important question that many Germans asked themselves during the opening game of the World Cup was already answered with the kick-off.

Captain Neuer wore the captain's armband, which was prescribed for him, the team and the German Football Association by the International Football Association (FIFA).

The German-European one love bandage remained under lock and key.

With that, the Germans' first defeat at the World Cup in Qatar was perfect, they gave in to FIFA without a word or two before the first ball was played.

The next disappointment came ninety minutes later: a bitter 2-1 defeat by Japan.

The Germans also lacked resilience on the pitch.

The end of the World Cup preliminary round is threatening again.

In the group photo before kick-off, the German players had their hands in front of their mouths.

They wanted this to be understood as a sign that they were forbidden to speak with the forbidden bandage.

But that is only half the truth at best: the Germans could certainly have set an example – but they would have had to risk something to do so.

They weren't ready for that.

And with their helpless gesture they only showed that they keep their mouths shut when it matters.

Alibi photo before the game

The team also had nothing to say about the football world in terms of sport in the first game.

Her self-assessment of being world class again was just the Germans' next self-delusion.

If the alibi photo before the game and the disappointing game afterwards were signs, then only those of the excessive demands on a team that the Germans brought themselves into with their announcement that they would set an example with the armband and feel like a top team .

Before kick-off, the national players stood there like obedient little children;

after the final whistle with empty hands.

Those were two lows from which the national team in Qatar will probably have a hard time recovering – or not at all.

The debate about how the team behaved in the issue of the armband should accompany the national team for as long as the discussion about their performance on the pitch in the game against Japan.

The developments of the past few days had meant that Neuer was the focus of attention in advance like no national player had been for a long time.

The question of how role models react when they are under pressure, which unexpected sides may come to light if attitude is required, which can cost something, is particularly relevant to the long-time captain.

But neither the general indignation at home nor the desire of many fans for the captain, his team and the DFB to remain steadfast produced more than a silent sign.

And on the field, when determination would have been required after falling behind, the Germans remained without any penetration there either.

The national team threatens to retire early.

But even if successes against Spain and Costa Rica and then victories should follow in the further course, the Germans can no longer trust that unbroken German hero stories will emerge again in Qatar.

Just as it would have been possible in the past.

For decades, fans were happily willing to overlook the weaknesses and misconduct of their favorites off the pitch.

If in the end the result was right.

Today, stars are judged on their overall behavior.

At the start, the Germans were both wrong, their behavior on and off the pitch.

Only one thing is certain after these bleak experiences: the national team needs more courage and determination.

And self-reflection.