Germany played really well today..They played well in possession, in defense and going forward. Their fans must like what they have seen today. I am curious to see how they would play against better Opposition than Australia
true, but germany lived up to the big name status in this game unlike the rest of big names that played so far.
Argentina did what was expected. The goals didn't flow but they had the run of the park against a better team than the Aussies.
Actually the Germans of 1990 played a very similar game, having just watched germany vs Yugo 1990 a few days ago. Quick ball movement, with combinations and numbers joining the attack. Obviously that team was blessed with better individuals. Football people in germany would tell you that Loew was largely responsible for Germany's revived style in 06 and Klinsmann the motivator. This is the reason Klinsmann could not replicate the same style at Bayern. Obviously unless one is on the inside this cannot be confirmed. However, judging from this newly built team by Loew, playing in a similar style, folks can draw their own conclusions. I just enjoy the fact that we finally see a team playing dynamic inventive attacking football in this WC.
Yeah the squad in 1990 was especially gifted- don't think they've been able to replicate that golden generation since...Brehme, Klinsmann, Voeller, Matthaus, Littbarski, Thon, Haessler...etc...
That was a perfect squad in terms of skill and experience. They also have not had a defence that good since and that allowed that team to play. The football today was nothing new for Germany. They have always run very hard and very, very smart plus they are always disciplined so they don't have problems making the ball work. The current S.Korea is a side like this too except that the players are not as good and so they appear more mechanical and rigid than the average German side.
The thing with Germany in the 90's and 2000's is that they haven't had the players so they appear functional. They end up focusing more on the best player (Effenberg, Sammer, Ballack) and surrounding them with players who appear workmanlike by comparison. Even with all that the brand take them to '02 and '08 finals, '06 semis and a win in '96. Same general brand in all them teams.
This side is very young and has some attractive players in Khedira, Ozil Schweinstieger and Muller BUT... They palyed Australia and that defence still has Mertesacker and Badstuber. They will not get that space and be able to pull a big team from side to side.
