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As three-time World Cup Soccer champions, Germany is truly one of the great soccer nations in the world. They have participated in every FIFA World Cup Soccer finals, except the 1930 and 1950 tournaments, and have a track record that is second-to-none when it comes to international success. Discuss this article on the forums. (0 posts)
The host nation will look back to its history for experience as 1990 World Cup winner and former star striker Jurgen Klinsmann takes the reins as head coach. Bayern Munich star Michael Ballack, captain of the team, will be counted on to score an abundance of goals. A part of Germany’s success will largely depend on potential from the future if they are to win a second World Cup on home soil. 20-year-old Lukas Podolski - ‘Prinz Poldi’ as he is known in his native land - is expected to be an impact player in Germany’s quest to avenge the 2002 loss in the final versus Brazil. The nation has depth at the goalkeeper position, as Oliver Khan of Bayern Munich and Arsenal’s Jens Lehmann provide the stability in goal needed to take a run at becoming the 2006 FIFA World Cup champions. The classy and experienced Ballack will need to lead a group of talented young players including Bastian Schweinsteiger and Lukas Podolski if they want to earn a fourth world title. Despite losing in the semi-finals of the FIFA Confederations Cup last year to Brazil, this result, combined with the performances of its youth, have renewed optimism about the country’s chances at home this summer. Germany’s first win came in 1954 when they defeated what was supposed to be an invincible team in Hungary. Fast forward twenty years and Germany would win its second World Cup title and first at home, when it was then-West Germany against the Netherlands. Germany’s most recent victory came in 1990 in Italy, when they hoisted the trophy after defeating Argentina 1-0. That win avenged consecutive losses in 1982 when they were defeated 3-1 by Italy in Spain, and in 1986 when they lost to Argentina 3-2 in Mexico. In addition to winning the three World Cup Soccer titles, Germany is a three-time European champion (1972, 1980, 1996). The national team was founded in 1900 and is steeped in tradition. German soccer fans will expect a lot from its team and the pressure could prove to work against the host team. However, if the past is any indication of future potential, Germany can boast about its chances to win it all. The country is second only to Brazil in World Cup wins and final game appearances. Expect the past, present and future to conjoin in a relentless quest to win Germany’s fourth title. Germany plays its first game June 9th in Munich versus Costa Rica. Poland and Ecuador round out the teams in Group A. The finals will be played in 12 cities across Germany, with the World Cup title game set for July 9th in Berlin. Discuss this article on the forums. (0 posts) |
