Euro 2012 Preview - Germany
Nickname: “Der Mannschaft"
Absurd FIFA ranking: 2nd
Coach: Duran Duran backup keyboardist Joachim Low
Match Schedule:
June 9 – Germany v. Portugal (Lviv, 2:45 p.m. EST)
June 13 – Germany v. Netherlands (Kharkiv, 2:45 p.m.)
June 17 – Germany v. Denmark (Lviv, 2:45 p.m.)
Prospects: Germany were one of the revelations of South Africa 2010. Once it was clear that old boys Ballack and Frings wouldn't be fit for the tournament, he had no other option than to unleash a brilliant new wave of German talent including Khedira, Ozil and Muller. Today's shock friendly loss to Switzerland exposed a softness in the center of defense, but once the Bayern boys are back in the fold, there are bags of quality going forward.
Key Player: Bayern forward Thomas Muller has the lot - pace, a great ball over from wide positions and phenomenal heading ability.
Youngster to watch: With Miroslav Klose an aging force, Low would be wise to start Borussia Munchengladbach striker Marco Reus, who looks like a nice complement to Gomez.
Who Will Get the Goals: SuperMario Gomez needs to turn his remarkable Bundeliga and Champions League strike rate into goals for his country - a decent outside shout for Golden Ball.
Who Will Get the Cards: Arsenal statue Per Mertesacker is a real liability in the center of defense. I could easily see him giving away dangerous free kicks and penalties in each match, if Low is silly enough to stick with him.
Prediction: Champions! I'd like to hope that Germany will be the Brazil '70 of this tournament, conceding loads of goals at one end with some hilarious defending, while springing forward with some glorious, sweeping attacking moves. 5-3 in every match, please!
posted by The Blue Devil @ 11:22 PM
2 Comments:
Per is unlikely to start because of his ankle ligament tear that ended his Arsenal adventure. And you would certainly pair him with a quicker partner to cover for his glacial pace. He is however, a better anticipator of trouble than most and once settled in the Arsenal side next year, will make you eat his words.
I wonder how Sweinstieger will recover from his disappointing missed penalty that crushed 'arry's arson-enthusiasts of NW17?
I also wonder whether Toni Kroos and Mario Goetze will find room in a list of midfielders a mile long.
Good questions, Gooner. I suspect that yesterday's result will be a bit of a wake-up for Joachim Low. His standbys of 2010 Khedira, Ozil, and Podolski looked as if they couldn't be bothered, and Klose clearly needs putting out to pasture. I wouldn't be surprised to see another reshuffle.
Post a Comment
<< Home