The heat inside the World Cup crucible has reached boiling point. France, Italy, England, Portugal, Brazil and Argentina have been forced out the door. Only weeks ago, people were clamouring about Europe being pipped to the finish by South America. It's now down to the last four and that speculation has been ruthlessly dismissed with the Netherlands, Spain and Germany making the grade.
Speaking of ruthless, Germany have laid down a real marker in their bid to claim football's biggest prize for the fourth time. But what's more interesting to note is the manner in which they've gone about their business. 13 goals in 5 games in their run up to the semi final. Slick passing, terrific movement on and off the ball, stoic discipline in defence; the positives are generously well layered.
So what is it that drives at the heart of this German team, and how? Franz Beckenbauer was bang on with his conjecture on how efficient this team is. They can dictate the tempo of the game, win the ball back with consummate ease and score goals at will. The fact that both Argentina and England have suffered the indignity gives reason to believe that Germany has a fair measure of world-class quality.
Thomas Müller, Miroslav Klose and Lucas Podolski have all shown that it's not about pace and skill as much as it is about movement and guile, in and around the box. Schweinsteiger, Özil and Khedira look totally in control with or without the ball at their feet. At the back, Friedrich, Mertesacker and Lahm can do no wrong and Manuel Neuer in goal provides the brushstroke that completes the painting.
Germany face Spain in an all-European semi-final on Wednesday, 7th July 2010 in Durban. So far, every time the Germans have swept forward in attack, defences have looked barely in the same postcode. To have Germany grace the last four is almost the natural order of things in World Cup football. But can they disprove the 14/1 odds quoted on them before the tournament began?
I've always found Germany's football cold. Just like everything else they do. But if that method is working for them, then that's what it should be. What's football without passion, I've always asked. These days the answer is a disappointed flight back home. Great post. More!
ReplyDeleteAnimated posturing, heroic (albeit futile) onslaughts and tears are not enough. The Germans have shown that playing with a cool head (and a finely executed plan) also matters. But is Germany the new Brazil...hmmm...I hope not. But it's an interesting debate...good one Shel!
ReplyDeleteHey Shel, almost every description you made about the German style seems to be emulated by the Spanish....but just ten fold more & at half the pace. They played a game of patience with tact all over & courage at the back. It was good to see Puyol score in his trademark fashion. What was even better was to see the Spanish defence being pretty ruthless especially in the last 15 mins. The only bit lacking was a few more goals. Sunday should be special!
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