Germany is now the big favorites to lift the Euros’ after most of their bigger rivals were eliminated. This could be their best chance of recapturing the Euros’, a tournament which they last won in 1996 in England.
Ever since winning the Euros’ in 1996, things have been down hill for the Germans. They were humiliated in the 1998 World Cup when they got trashed 0-3 by Croatia. Things did not improve in Euro 2000 as they were eliminated in the group stages of the competition which included a 0-3 thumping at the hands of a 2nd string Portuguese team.
Germany did well in the 2002 World Cup but that was largely contributed by the form of their goal keeper Oliver Kahn as well as a big slice of luck they had throughout the competition. They managed to reach the finals of the tournament but lost to the eventual winners, Brazil. The Germans once again failed to impress in Euro 2004 as they were eliminated in the group stages of the competition. Things finally took a turn for the better in 2006 as a much improved German squad under Jurgen Klinsmann, impressed throughout the tournament even if they failed to make it to finals, losing 0-2 in extra time to the eventual winners of the competition, Italy.
Like most of the other semifinalists, Germany finished runners up in their group and that move seem to have cast fresh doubt’s on their ability to win the tournament. Germany kicked off the tournament in impressive fashion after they defeated Poland 2-0. Both goals were scored by Bayern Munich hit man, Lukas Podolski. However, they appeared to drift back to their old ways after a lackluster performance against Croatia. It was probably one of their worse performances in recent times and the Germans ended up losing the match 2-1. They were down 2-0 by the 62nd minute. Things only changed a little after Coach Joachim Low introduced Bastian Schweinsteiger to the match to replace the ineffective Mario Gomez. Podolski was on hand once again to score a late goal but it was not enough as the Croatians were able to hold of the late surge from the Germans.
Coach Low was heavily criticized after the match for the Germans lackluster performance. They went into the last manage with a bit of pressure as they needed at least a draw against the Polish side to secure their qualification towards the knock out stages of the competition. It was not an easy task as their opponents were co-hosts Austria. Despite not looking very convincing, the Germans prevailed via an inspired free kick from their skipper, Michael Ballack.
Their opponents in the quarterfinals were no pushovers as they met one of the favorites of the tournament, Portugal. Many pundits believed that Portugal would eliminate Germany especially since the Germans had failed to impress during the group stages. To make matters worse, Coach Joachim Low was suspended from the touchline after a row with the officials during the match against Austria. However, the Germans turned on the style and change their tactics. The impressive Bastian Schweinsteiger was brought into the squad at the expense of Mario Gomez, who failed to impress. It was Schweinsteiger that gave the Germans an early lead as he tapped in a cross on the left from Podolski. The Germans used their physical and height advantage well and increased their lead from a set piece situation. Miroslav Klose was able beat his marker easily and put the Germans ahead by a 2 goal margin. Nuno Gomez pulled a goal back for the Portuguese just before half time to give the Portuguese a life line. However, The Germans used their height advantage again in the 2nd half and capitalized once again from a set piece situation. Michael Ballack beat his marker and headed home from close range to restore Germany’s two goal advantage. The Portuguese did not give up and continued pressing and were rewarded late in the match when substitute Helder Postiga was on hand to head in a good cross from Nani. The Germans were able to hold on and booked their place in the semifinals.
The Germans will meet one of the dark horses of the tournament, Turkey in the semifinals. Coach Joachim Low would be hoping to use all his experience gained in the Turkish league during his stint as the manager of Fenerbahce in the late 90’s to plot the downfall of the Turks. The Germans also have a great advantage coming into the match as Turkey has lost a couple of key players to injuries and suspension. Coach Low knows that he cannot write off Turkey’s chances as they have proven time and time again in this tournament that they are able to come back despite all the odds against them. The Germans need to stay focus throughout the match and cannot afford to lose concentration. The Germans have a point to prove and would be hoping to show the world that they are not a spent force. Even though Turkey has a knack for coming back into matches when they seem to be dead and buried, this German side will be hoping to put the final nail in the coffin of the come back kings and end the their runs of impressive come backs. This is probably Germany’s best chance of success since Euro 1996 and it gives them a big chance to regain their supremacy.
2 comments:
Oh, I remember that WC 2002 final. *grins*
Gomez did fail to impress, unlike Schweinsteiger, but the germans are strong in the competition and facing a weakened side today so they do have a big chance, let's say huge, of going to the finals.
It would big a big surprise, to not say shock, if that doesn't happen. But their final opponent is probably gonna create some problems, be it Russia or Spain. All in all, they do have a great chance of walking out champions, but let's see if they can take it. I have to say that I'm leaning torwards the opponent that comes from the other game though.
Hey Julz! Thanks for the comment :) Well Germany are trough to the finals now. They were lucky! Lets hope Russia or Spain can end their run :)
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