RSS
ATOM
advertisement
Teutonic Tuesday: Loss Of Teamgeist The Heart Of Jogi Loew’s Woe
Germany/Argentina and the ever-changing title race are analyzed in this week’s edition…
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £100 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power for a free bet up to £50 |
Mar 9, 2010 7:00:00 AM
By Clark Whitney
All those expecting Toni Kroos, Thomas Mueller, and Mesut Oezil to run rampant against Argentina were dealt a healthy dose of reality on Wednesday. Coach Jogi Loew sent out a talented but unusual Germany side comprised mostly of out-of-form and internationally inexperienced stars, and Germany played their worst game in a very long time. While Bastian Schweinsteiger and Philipp Lahm were their usual impressive selves, aging heroes Miroslav Klose and Michael Ballack were largely anonymous, and Lukas Podolski’s club form translated into a dismal performance. When DSF reporter Christian Ortlepp suggested that the match "wasn't (Podolski's) best outing in a German shirt," the Koeln native tried to pick a fight with the reporter. Podolski allegedly tried to push the reporter in the face, giving new meaning to the term “striker.”
All things considered, it was not the least bit surprising that Germany lost on Wednesday, and was fitting that Argentina’s only goal followed a catastrophic defensive error (Serdar Tasci was more out of position than Kanye West at the 2009 VMA’s). Individually, the Germans had plenty of talent in midfield, but all other outfielders were lacking in quality and/or form. As I mentioned a week ago, Loew has yet to solve glaring problems in attack and defense, and needs to integrate his young midfielders as soon as possible. Only the latter has been addressed, and if Wednesday’s results indicate anything, it’s that Loew has his work cut out for him over the next few months.
What was so lacking on Wednesday was the soul of the German team, its Teamgeist (team spirit). As those who have played the Adidas Teamgeist game can attest, every successful German team has benefited from exceptional teamwork, mutual desire, and unwavering confidence. These qualities—not individual talent alone—win tournaments. Want proof? Just check out Germany’s trophy rack.
There is no doubt that the likes of Kroos, Mueller, and Oezil have the desire necessary to succeed, but they all need to learn how to play together and in the context of the German national team. Reflexively, the team needs to learn how to bring the best out of its young stars. All that takes time, but there is a silver lining: just a month before the 2006 World Cup, Germany were dealt a 4-1 rout at the hands of Italy, yet later managed to take third place at the tournament.
Point of Discussion: With three friendlies left before the World Cup begins, can we expect to see Oezil, Kroos and Mueller step up and follow in the footsteps of Podolski, Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Philipp Lahm?
At the end of the day, the Podolski/Ortlepp controversy might actually help Germany. Perhaps it was the reporter’s criticism, or maybe it was the added incentive of playing against his former club that motivated him, but whatever the case, the man once dubbed the “crown prince” of German football really looked the part against Bayern Munich. For once, he really worked hard, both in attack and defense. After hitting the bar with a 25-yard blast early on, Podolski rifled in another effort from distance to give Koeln a first-half lead. It was his first goal since September, but served as a reminder of what he is capable of doing when he isn’t sulking around the pitch.
With Arjen Robben out for the match and Franck Ribery only on the pitch for the final 34 minutes, Schweinsteiger stepped up to provide Bayern’s cutting edge and equalized shortly before the hour mark. Six minutes later, the central midfielder headed off the bar, further solidifying his role as the Bundesliga’s unluckiest player. Late in the match, Ribery was denied by the post, and Koeln scraped by with a point.
Food for thought: Bayern have scored 51 goals this season, and have hit the woodwork 16 times. That is unlucky, but is only half the story. Schweinsteiger, scorer of just two league goals, has accounted for seven of those shots against the goal frame. Now that is unlucky.
Despite dropping points, Bayern were able to extend their lead after Leverkusen finally lost a match. We all should have seen it coming: after all, Jupp Heynckes’ side had only taken a single win in their previous four matches. Even in the minutes before the Nuernberg match, the writing was on the wall: in his starting lineup, Heynckes opted to replace now off-form winger Tranquillo Barnetta with Renato Augusto. It was the right decision, but proof that the old adage, “never change a winning team,” no longer applied to Leverkusen.
However, even before the Nuernberg match, many of the Leverkusen faithful were fully convinced that die Werkself would lift the title in May. After all, an undefeated team had never before failed to win the Bundesliga. Now, their record tarnished, Leverkusen’s mythical, unbreakable aura has gone, revealing a vulnerable team that just doesn’t seem to have enough endurance to catch Bayern.
Instead, the role of Bayern-chaser has fallen to none other than Felix Magath, whose Schalke are now in second place following a 4-1 triumph over Frankfurt. Every week, I doubt Schalke’s potential, and for seemingly good reasons. Sure, their defense is sensational, but with an attack that runs barely deeper than Kevin Kuranyi, you’d expect a lot more 0-0 draws from Magath’s side. Schalke are in financial crisis, have a 37-man squad of mostly defensive players, and Magath has neither a first-choice starting eleven nor a favoured formational setup.
And yet, somehow, they keep winning. Saturday’s match wasn’t pretty (Schalke committed 32 fouls and won just 46% of the ball), but the scoreline was the kind you’d expect from the Bremen/Bayern/Leverkusen types. Magath has repeatedly claimed that he has no intention of winning the title, but his words are eerily reminiscent of those he said before taking the title 2009 with Wolfsburg. He may not have an immense amount of talent at his disposal, but with luck on his side and Major Payne-esque fitness regimens for his players, Magath has turned an ordinary Schalke into a side worthy of contending for the Bundesliga title.
Goal of the Week: Aristide Bance, Hoffenheim 0-1 Mainz
This guy reminds me of Grafite. At 1.93m and nearly 200lbs, Bance is one of the most powerful men in the Bundesliga, and his strength alone is enough to give defenders problems. Add in his blistering pace, and this sort of thing happens. Watch as the Burkina Faso international claims a long ball, beats three defenders, and finishes well in a one-on-one situation.
Goal of the Year: The Baden-Wuerttemberg Wind, TSV Wimsheim 1-0 TSV Grunbach
A special shout out to Patrick for bringing this to my attention. The wind should get credit for this goal, scored in an amateur match on the 28th of February. According to FIFA's rules of the game, the goal should not have stood (goalkeepers can score from goal kicks, but only on the opposing goal), but did nonetheless, and Wimsheim took a 2-1 victory on a rather blustery day. To get a hefty dose of Schadenfreude, click here.
Match of the Week: Werder Bremen 2-2 Stuttgart
In a warm-up for their upcoming European matches, Bremen and Stuttgart played pretty football en route to a 2-2 draw. Pavel Pogrebnyak opened the scoring early for the visitors, and Sami Khedira made it 2-0 shortly before the break. After halftime, Bremen went all out on attack, but only pulled a goal back on 75 minutes, thanks to substitute Hugo Almeida. After Marko Marin drew a late penalty, Tosten Frings equalized with a spot kick to spare the hosts’ blushes. It was a rather free and open game between the attack-minded sides, and made for quite a spectacle.
All things considered, it was not the least bit surprising that Germany lost on Wednesday, and was fitting that Argentina’s only goal followed a catastrophic defensive error (Serdar Tasci was more out of position than Kanye West at the 2009 VMA’s). Individually, the Germans had plenty of talent in midfield, but all other outfielders were lacking in quality and/or form. As I mentioned a week ago, Loew has yet to solve glaring problems in attack and defense, and needs to integrate his young midfielders as soon as possible. Only the latter has been addressed, and if Wednesday’s results indicate anything, it’s that Loew has his work cut out for him over the next few months.
What was so lacking on Wednesday was the soul of the German team, its Teamgeist (team spirit). As those who have played the Adidas Teamgeist game can attest, every successful German team has benefited from exceptional teamwork, mutual desire, and unwavering confidence. These qualities—not individual talent alone—win tournaments. Want proof? Just check out Germany’s trophy rack.
There is no doubt that the likes of Kroos, Mueller, and Oezil have the desire necessary to succeed, but they all need to learn how to play together and in the context of the German national team. Reflexively, the team needs to learn how to bring the best out of its young stars. All that takes time, but there is a silver lining: just a month before the 2006 World Cup, Germany were dealt a 4-1 rout at the hands of Italy, yet later managed to take third place at the tournament.
Point of Discussion: With three friendlies left before the World Cup begins, can we expect to see Oezil, Kroos and Mueller step up and follow in the footsteps of Podolski, Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Philipp Lahm?
At the end of the day, the Podolski/Ortlepp controversy might actually help Germany. Perhaps it was the reporter’s criticism, or maybe it was the added incentive of playing against his former club that motivated him, but whatever the case, the man once dubbed the “crown prince” of German football really looked the part against Bayern Munich. For once, he really worked hard, both in attack and defense. After hitting the bar with a 25-yard blast early on, Podolski rifled in another effort from distance to give Koeln a first-half lead. It was his first goal since September, but served as a reminder of what he is capable of doing when he isn’t sulking around the pitch.
With Arjen Robben out for the match and Franck Ribery only on the pitch for the final 34 minutes, Schweinsteiger stepped up to provide Bayern’s cutting edge and equalized shortly before the hour mark. Six minutes later, the central midfielder headed off the bar, further solidifying his role as the Bundesliga’s unluckiest player. Late in the match, Ribery was denied by the post, and Koeln scraped by with a point.
Food for thought: Bayern have scored 51 goals this season, and have hit the woodwork 16 times. That is unlucky, but is only half the story. Schweinsteiger, scorer of just two league goals, has accounted for seven of those shots against the goal frame. Now that is unlucky.
Despite dropping points, Bayern were able to extend their lead after Leverkusen finally lost a match. We all should have seen it coming: after all, Jupp Heynckes’ side had only taken a single win in their previous four matches. Even in the minutes before the Nuernberg match, the writing was on the wall: in his starting lineup, Heynckes opted to replace now off-form winger Tranquillo Barnetta with Renato Augusto. It was the right decision, but proof that the old adage, “never change a winning team,” no longer applied to Leverkusen.
However, even before the Nuernberg match, many of the Leverkusen faithful were fully convinced that die Werkself would lift the title in May. After all, an undefeated team had never before failed to win the Bundesliga. Now, their record tarnished, Leverkusen’s mythical, unbreakable aura has gone, revealing a vulnerable team that just doesn’t seem to have enough endurance to catch Bayern.
Instead, the role of Bayern-chaser has fallen to none other than Felix Magath, whose Schalke are now in second place following a 4-1 triumph over Frankfurt. Every week, I doubt Schalke’s potential, and for seemingly good reasons. Sure, their defense is sensational, but with an attack that runs barely deeper than Kevin Kuranyi, you’d expect a lot more 0-0 draws from Magath’s side. Schalke are in financial crisis, have a 37-man squad of mostly defensive players, and Magath has neither a first-choice starting eleven nor a favoured formational setup.
And yet, somehow, they keep winning. Saturday’s match wasn’t pretty (Schalke committed 32 fouls and won just 46% of the ball), but the scoreline was the kind you’d expect from the Bremen/Bayern/Leverkusen types. Magath has repeatedly claimed that he has no intention of winning the title, but his words are eerily reminiscent of those he said before taking the title 2009 with Wolfsburg. He may not have an immense amount of talent at his disposal, but with luck on his side and Major Payne-esque fitness regimens for his players, Magath has turned an ordinary Schalke into a side worthy of contending for the Bundesliga title.
Goal of the Week: Aristide Bance, Hoffenheim 0-1 Mainz
This guy reminds me of Grafite. At 1.93m and nearly 200lbs, Bance is one of the most powerful men in the Bundesliga, and his strength alone is enough to give defenders problems. Add in his blistering pace, and this sort of thing happens. Watch as the Burkina Faso international claims a long ball, beats three defenders, and finishes well in a one-on-one situation.
Goal of the Year: The Baden-Wuerttemberg Wind, TSV Wimsheim 1-0 TSV Grunbach
A special shout out to Patrick for bringing this to my attention. The wind should get credit for this goal, scored in an amateur match on the 28th of February. According to FIFA's rules of the game, the goal should not have stood (goalkeepers can score from goal kicks, but only on the opposing goal), but did nonetheless, and Wimsheim took a 2-1 victory on a rather blustery day. To get a hefty dose of Schadenfreude, click here.
Match of the Week: Werder Bremen 2-2 Stuttgart
In a warm-up for their upcoming European matches, Bremen and Stuttgart played pretty football en route to a 2-2 draw. Pavel Pogrebnyak opened the scoring early for the visitors, and Sami Khedira made it 2-0 shortly before the break. After halftime, Bremen went all out on attack, but only pulled a goal back on 75 minutes, thanks to substitute Hugo Almeida. After Marko Marin drew a late penalty, Tosten Frings equalized with a spot kick to spare the hosts’ blushes. It was a rather free and open game between the attack-minded sides, and made for quite a spectacle.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £100 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power for a free bet up to £50 |
|
Thank you for your comment!
Please enter your name
Please enter your location
Please share your comment!
17 Comments
Advertisement
Inside Goal.Com
-
Capello remains one of the greats of the game
After tasting success wherever he had gone previously, the coach will look upon his time at Wembley as an incomplete job rather than a complete failure
-
Can Suarez repeat Cantona's grand comeback?
The divisive Uruguayan can look to history when he starts against United on Saturday for the first time since receiving an eight-match ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra
-
Key battles: Manchester United v Liverpool
The former Reds defender believes that the Uruguayan must put controversy to the back of his mind when his team face the champions
-
The importance of Champions League qualification
The Ruhr side's remarkable run in Europe's elite tournament saw their revenue unexpectedly soar last season, but some teams are structured to depend on such results to survive
-
Cartoon: Capello's managerial merry-go-round
Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day ...
Advertisement
Advertisement
