Article
World Cup Group A Preview: Germany
Three times winners. Going for number four.
And what better stage to try and win another World Cup, than on home soil for the Germans? They last won the tournament at Italy '90 and manager Jürgen Klinsmann has <i>Die Mannschaft</i> set up for an offensive onslaught.
Germany got a favorable draw with Poland, Ecuador and Costa Rica and many expect them to go deep in the tournament, possibly even matching their finals appearance in 2002 when they lost to Brazil.
There are, however, many questions to be answered of this fairly young Germany side. Germany did not have to go through a qualification phase and many of the players are not well-tested in competititve football. Also, their fast-paced game under Klinsmann has opened the door for teams to fire away at Oliver Kahn's goal.
In order for the Germans to be successful this time around, they will need to band together in midfield and keep some numbers back to prevent their opponents from breaking on the counter, otherwise it will be open season for some of the best in the world.
This tournament is as big for Klinsmann as it is for the players, as he is yet to shake off a lot of his critics. Many don't like his living in Los Angeles, forcing him to commute back and forth from the USA. However, good results with the whole world watching may just quiet them.
The key on the pitch is, as always, Michael Ballack. If he can hold not just the midfield, but the whole team together, and be the playmaker that has made him one of the world's best, then fans could be in for some fun football when Germany takes the pitch. Youngster Bastian Schweinsteiger will also be a thrill as he can run with the best of them.
If the youth of Germany can mature quickly, it could be a memorable summer in Deutschland.
<b>Other Group A Profiles</b>
<a href="http://worldcup.soccerway.com/news/2006/january/13/world-cup-group-a-preview-costa-rica">Costa Rica</a>
<a href="http://worldcup.soccerway.com/news/2006/january/13/world-cup-group-a-preview-ecuador">Ecuador</a>
<a href="http://worldcup.soccerway.com/news/2006/january/13/world cup-group-a-preview-poland">Poland</a>
Comments (0)