Newsflash: Germany is not in the Tropics

June 6th, 2006 | by: WC Bob | View Comments

I’ve never really understood some people’s obsession with the weather. I read once that England back Sol Campbell is a Weather Channel addict. Explains a lot about that dude. But the weather is a bit of a story for some teams here in Germany, especially the ones who are used to playing in the tropics. The fact is it hasn’t been remotely tropically here in Berlin and in many of the towns where the teams are training.

Japan’s players are whining because their hands have turned the same color as their jerseys. Should have packed some gloves, lads.

Ecuador’s players have adjusted to the low altitude but they have the sniffles thanks to the chilly weather at their camp.

The same can be said of Saudi Arabia, which is finding that Germany is lacking in dry desert heat and 40C temps.

Meanwhile there are little complaints from the European-based players who are used to playing football with a little nip in the air and who have hair on their chests. Real men, they are.

Will this have any impact on the actual games? I doubt it, unless there is a freak blizzard or two. The weather will continue to warm this week and as the tournament progresses and personally I think it is easier for a team to adjust to playing in the cold than it is for a team to adjust to playing in the heat and humidity.

At World Cup Blog headquarters in Berlin we have been staying warm by typing non-stop. I also have the flag of Angola wrapped around me at all times. Warms my heart and my body.

Here’s hoping the weather is pleasant wherever you are today.