G6 Team Profile: GERMANY
In theory, Germany should be the favorites to win the World Cup. They have a tradition of winning (three previous World Cup titles), they were runners-up in 2002 and this year they have an added home-field advantage. Reality can be very different than theory, however.
There is no denying the fact that Germany has wealth of young talent. Their list of rising stars includes defender Robert Huth (Chelsea), midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich) and forward Lukas Podolski (FC Köln), all three of whom are under the age of 22. The question is, are they truly ready to take on the world’s best?
Having automatically qualified as the host, Germany didn’t have to face a tough qualification schedule. That left coach Jurgen Klinsmann freedom to experiment and he has had his team playing a faster, more attack-oriented style. This has met with mixed results, however, and though Germany has scored more goals, they have also given up far too many. Klinsmann came under recent criticism after his team was crushed 4-1 by Italy in early March.
One of the keys to German success will be Michael Ballack (Bayern Munich), generally regarded as one of the top playmakers in the world. And though he is nearing the end of his international career, Oliver Kahn (Bayern Munich) remains one of the top –and most intimidating- goalkeepers in the world.
Klinsmann still has a lot of work to do in a short time. If his veterans take charge and create some goal-scoring opportunities, his young players can step up and show maturity beyond their years, and he can shore up the defense then, well… who knows?
Comments
The final will be a rematch of 2002, Brazil and Germany!
Posted by: yager | May 8, 2006 05:39 PM
yes, i think you are right, yager. I thought it was going to be brazil and england, but now that rooney is in jeopordy of playing, i dont think it will be england. We have to keep our eyes open for france also.
Posted by: matt | May 8, 2006 08:30 PM
germany good luck in the 2006 world cup. its starts in your country so ended with your team.
Posted by: elie panzalian | May 8, 2006 11:27 PM
Germany will win group A, but unless their young players (podolski, schweinsteiger) grow up, the deustch won't score enough goals to make it any farther than the quarters.
Posted by: boogie | May 9, 2006 04:57 PM
well in my opinion i think that brazil will play france in the world cup but i think that brazil will come on out with the win
Posted by: jonathan brown | May 9, 2006 05:23 PM
well, kahn might be still intimidating, but it doesn't matter: he won't play! and that's a fact for about a month already...
personally i think lehmann is in better shape at the moment, anyway...
Posted by: moritz schafer | May 10, 2006 07:17 AM
I think that the german squad will make past the group stages and go but will eventually lose in the third round to a more experenced team such as England or Brazil.
Posted by: CG | May 10, 2006 03:07 PM
Germany is a strong contender. Ballack, podolski, and lehmann are outstanding when they are having a good game. But Brazil is the best team in football, England after that. i wouldn't be surprised come near the end of the world cup they are playing for a 3rd place spot while England and/or Brazil are battling it out for the cup.
Posted by: Jay Benenson | May 12, 2006 03:20 PM
what about italy? remember how they beat germany 4-1 this year? i think italy has a great chance of winning. they also have an outstanding defence
Posted by: Anonymous | May 12, 2006 04:54 PM
I really think Germany has a chance of winning it all this summer. This team can close you down quickly and are dangerous from many parts of the field. Besides them is either Brazi or England. Engand can also get in your face and the brazilians are very quick on their feet and very skillful. I think Italy is to slow.
Posted by: David | May 18, 2006 05:12 AM
I want Germany to win it but theres to many
strong teams and the Germans are young and
not experienced.But we got to wait and see
good luck Germany.
Posted by: Anonymous | May 23, 2006 04:55 PM
Germans are the Champions!
Posted by: Daniel | May 23, 2006 04:57 PM
the may 23 comments are both mine by the
way
Posted by: daniel | May 23, 2006 04:58 PM
I think that Germany will win the world cup if the players play a good games so they have to set their minds to win the cuo
Posted by: Nu'man | May 30, 2006 07:47 AM
Lehmen will loose germany the world cup, just like he lost arsenal the champions league. He is always getting involved with stupid fights on the field that have nothing to do with him. But i can't say kahn is much better, i mean who in their right mind would yell in andre schevcancos face after missing a penalty, and then getting scored on twice by him haha. Why are both germany's goalies such headcases? Otherwise they might have a chance. Second round at most.
Posted by: Brandon | May 31, 2006 10:16 AM
I think that Germany and Brazil will be in the world cup game also, with many teams having major injury issues Germany and Brazil are the two best teams in this years world cup. Although due to Germany's young team i think a more experienced brazil team will come out on top
Posted by: Aaron | June 8, 2006 01:18 PM
Final match Germany vs. England
Posted by: alb | June 9, 2006 11:31 AM
Germany is going to win for sure!!
Posted by: Jamie | June 14, 2006 12:57 PM
Brazil is so going to win after that score by Kaka across and in the net!!!!!!!
Posted by: Piaomn Gohalim | June 14, 2006 03:22 PM
Germany will win i believe because they have beat the great Argentina everyone was overating and i think brazil will meet them but lose because of individual play
Posted by: Kasra | June 30, 2006 07:42 PM
Germany will win i believe because they have beat the great Argentina everyone was overating and i think brazil will meet them but lose because of individual play
Posted by: Kasra | June 30, 2006 07:44 PM