I guess I need to write something about the World Cup games too. So, let me start with my team, Germany. If you think back to the way Germany played their game in the past, it was this very controlled game. Move the ball around back and forth always possessing the ball. And now and then attack the goal. A very boring game. Well, the German coach, Klinsman, has changed that. It is a much faster game under is stewardship. He has them attack much more. If you look at the three results, 4:2, 1:0, and 3:0 you see a much more attacking team. After the Ecuador game, he was saying that his team was not moving the ball fast enough and that they needed to attack more. It is a much more enjoyable game to watch over the past teams.
Many Germans complained about the type of game that their team played. The always envied how the Brazilians or Argentinians played. Now, when you listen to the people in the street, they are saying that this is the first time in a long time that they can enjoy their team. And with playing a more attractive game and the three wins, they are excited about the prospects of their team doing well.
But, we must not forget, Germany played much weaker teams. When Germany played Poland, Poland had recovered from their opening game and played a much stronger team and Germany was able to get the win in the end. But, Costa Rica was just a weak team. And they scored 2 goals against Germany. Those two goals came as a result of being very aggressive with the offside traps and four players still finding their rhythm together. And also lets us not forget, Ecuador put out a B-Team. (I can hear my friend Jay now saying, Joubert, half empty glass)
I do enjoy how Germany is playing. Much better than the past years. But, I am also realistic. Lets see how they do against Sweden. I would rather play the Sweden’s 1st half team in the England vs Sweden game than the 2nd half, but we will see. If Germany get through there, they will have to play Argentina. Needless to say, it will be a very exciting few day but also very nerve racking. But for now, I am enjoying being here and being able to take part in this big party.Â
The opening against Sweden was impressive. It was so impressive they Swedish couldn’t recover mentally, I think. Also, Sweden wasn’t great in the first round – just ok. So Germany is still awaits a big test….tomorrow against Argentina would definitely be it.
Klinsman: It is interesting the credit that he’s getting. Only a few weeks ago he was so heavilly criticized by the Germans. Do you think the fact that Germany attacks more now is a factor of him living in the US, thinking American, having Americans on the German squad stuff?
Asher, good question. I do believe that there is a big US influence. Alot of the physical fitness stuff and the sports phycology (sp??) comes from the US. As for playing more attacking football, I am not sure where that comes. A byproduct of the better physical condition that the team is in is that they can put a lot more pressure on the opposing team and not get tired. That causes more opportunities in the opposing teams defensive half of the field. So, I would say that the mental and physical part of the game has a US influence, but I can’t say that the tactical game has a US influce.