Sunday, June 20, 2010

Fall of Giants - Germany

Well, to be honest, German giants haven't fallen. But Germany's game against Serbia was surreal and probably showed why Soccer is one of the greatest sporting inventions of humans. Germany against Australia looked competent, hungry, prepared and aggressive. Against Serbia they were reduced to an outfit that looked shocked, desperate and bereft of ideas (in last quarter of the game). Despite all that, they clearly looked the better side. Their fighting attitude not just made for great spectacle it also showed that this side deserves to advance to the next round. But sudden slip in form by Lucas Podolsky, who in the first game looked the inspiring leader of this new look young German brigade, against Serbia cut out a forlorn and confused figure. His lack of accuracy at the net and the uncharacteristic miss of penalty (which in case if Germany fails to advance) will haunt him for the rest of his career. 

Tactically they are perfect. Özil is a wonderful talent. Schweinsteiger is held back a little and that gives lot of room to Özil and gives Khedira license to advance more frequently. It would be interesting to see who starts as a lone striker instead of Klose in the next game. Löewe could start with more assured and complete Cacau or more aggressive Mario Gomez. All in all, Germany looked wonderful against Australia. But against Serbia they looked just good enough to advance to the next round.....but are they enough to be champions?

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