The New Old German Juggernaut
Life is seemingly blissful again in Germany where order has been restored to the universe and the country’s football team has rediscovered its winning ways. Earlier this month the World Cup host was spanked 4-1 against Italy. Today it did some punishing of its own, beating the United States 4-1 in a friendly. A strong second half performance might be enough to help the home fans to forget the boos with which they seranaded their players after a rather sorry first half.
The victory did come against a United States team that was missing many of its top players due to injuries and club commitments. But the pressure was on Germany and instead of folding like a cheap tent, they put on a second blitzkrieg.
A few days back I asked the Big Question of whether Germany is really as bad as everyone thinks. My answer remains unchanged. The team is not as bad as a 4-1 scoreline against Italy would indicate. Nor is it as good as a 4-1 win against the United States would indicate.
The truth lies somewhere in between. At least for tonight, German fans can go to bed happy and Jurgen Klinsmann can fly home to California with a little more space between his collar and his neck.
My fingers are about to fall off from live blogging the match so forgive me for having to go soak my hands in ice.
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Comments
By J. Michael | March 22nd, 2006 at 6:29 pm 
I thoroughly enjoyed your live blog of the match and hope you will continue.
Germany could make it to the semifinals, with the right matchups, but it’s hard to see them going further. They are in a similar position to the Italian squad in 1990, it would seem.
Posted from 
United States
By John | March 22nd, 2006 at 9:24 pm Germans are far from top form. This should help klinsman rearrange his starters and form
Posted from United States
By Adrian | March 23rd, 2006 at 5:41 am Just do not make the common mistake of underestimating Germany. We’ve seen it in the last WC. The team back then was certainly not better than the one now - and they came back vice champions. Germany is a typical ‘tournament team’, which can perform despite all negative aspects of the team. Unlike other teams which are excactely the opposite, like Spain, England, Argentina (hurts to say), Holland, etc.
Posted from 
Australia
By Craig | March 25th, 2006 at 10:19 pm Germany will do well because they are at home. Their performance on Wednesday was great at times but they were inconsistent. USA had a weak to an average midefield missing Donovan, Beasley, Reyna, and Dempsey and was under pressure alot in the 2nd half so that’s why the defenders had bad passes from because the midefield and defence were not on the same page. Thanks to Convey and Mastroeni that played well. Germany will probably make it to the semis and lose. There are 4 Teams currently that could beat Germany: Brasil, Italy, Argentina, and England. Also Holland, Spain and maybe France will give them a tough game. Germany is behind the 4 elite teams, but being at home will help them alot.
Posted from United States
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