The trials and tribulations of this ‘New Germany’ at the World Cup so far have been nothing short of surprising. In a similar fashion to the past two tournaments, they entered the fray as a team that had been written off and not expected to progress deep into the latter stages of the competition. Yet now they have embraced the mantra as pacesetters of consistent attacking football and the benchmark of a tactically astute side.
Many aspects of their performance – individuals and the team as a whole – have surprised onlookers as some parts of their play and sources of success just don’t add up. When approaching the tournament, much worry was wasted on the form of their top players. Continual performers on the international stage, Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski had endured tough seasons that saw them suffer from poor form for prolonged portions of the season. Klose, a devastating and clinical goalscorer at international level, had only mustered up 3 goals in 25 league appearances. Podolski had an even worse conversion rate of 2 goals in 27 appearances.
Another consistent (in a negative manner) performer for Germany, Bastian Schweinsteiger was also coming into this World Cup as somewhat of an unknown quantity. Still adapting to his newly found holding/box-to-box midfielder role, Schweinsteiger was expected to replace the drive and dynamism lost through the absence of captain Michael Ballack, while also continuing his development in his new found position.
In addition to a group of under-performing and once reliable stars gathering to represent their country, a new batch of inexperienced, but vibrant, youngsters with little to lose had to be accommodated into the side. Adding another qualm for the experienced heads to worry about.
Everything pointed towards disaster for the Germans and after being dealt a tough group to qualify from, it seemed like a berth in the last 16 was even questionable. Yet now this ‘New Germany’ has depicted some characteristics of a potential World Cup winning team and are on the verge of making the final should they overcome Spain in their semi-final.
The transformation of this once agricultural and stereotyped German side has seemed so instant that it nearly appears to have developed before our very eyes. Of course this newfound system and batch of players didn’t just fall out of the sky, but for even such a new structure to be installed and successfully put into action at a pressure cooker like situation such as a World Cup is truly remarkable.
Continuing in the order previously started, Klose and Podolski have managed to yet again buck themselves up for the big occasion and come good for their country on the biggest stage of international football. Klose individually has equaled the goal scoring tally of fellow German and football legend Gerd Müller (14) at the World Cup and is fast approaching the record number scored by Ronaldo (15). Meanwhile Podolski has managed to rediscover the form that had him named best young player of the 2006 tournament.
Moving onto Schweinsteiger. He has excelled in his new position and seems liberated in centre midfield. In the past, the former winger has looked a frustrated character while playing for his country and unable to express himself. Now he looks like a new and remoulded player that is perfectly comfortable stifling Lionel Messi, while coupling that role with surging into the opposition penalty area to set up goals.
Much of his success can be pinned down to the fact that he has a new target to strive towards. Schweinsteiger has been an accomplished winger for much of his career; however, learning the trade of a holding midfielder gives him a new challenge. This can also be attributed to the young players that were integrated into the starting team.
The likes of Mesut Özil, Sami Khedira and Thomas Müller have been given a positive environment in which to develop their game. They are playing in their first World Cup and know that this is not a win or bust situation in the careers. Having such little pressure weighing on their shoulders, they have been free to express themselves and have been a principal creator of this vibrant, flowing and energy pumping German attacking play.
The teamwork and togetherness of this side has already shown huge mental strength by shaking off criticism of their play emanating from the group stage. In their opening games, they were lamented for poor finishing and a lack of ability to play the killer ball in the final third of the pitch. After overcoming England and Argentina with not only precise and efficient finishing, but also an all round developed tactical game, we can agree that this ‘New Germany’ is maturing by the day.
If one were to be asked to pick a winner of this tournament after taking a passing glance at the results so far, it would be hard not to look past Germany. Three games amassing four goals, two of those performances against notable teams, and a wealth of goals worthy to be added to any highlight reel of the tournament only in part portrays the dominating class of this German side. Regardless of whether this ‘New Germany’ overcomes Spain, it seems there will be fonder memories of this team than the two previous squads who also became heroes of their nations in 2002 and 2006 respectively.
Call me a vocab Nazi, but I can’t imagine what is meant by “this once agricultural and stereotyped” team. Agricultural? An agricultural soccer team? I don’t think that makes any sense.
Apologies, admittedly there are many other words that I could have used. In this sense “agricultural” refers to the Germans need to previously force the issue and overcome their opposition through sheer power and physical dominance.
All in all, I suppose it could be considered a slang term.
Doesn’t agricultural mean, like, farms, crops, cows, n’ stuff like that? Oh wait, you mean, like, Ima get all “agricultural” on yer ass, like an Odessa farmhand in a bar brawl? Like that?
Of course agriculture refers to farms and livestock, but in this case it is primarily meant to stress the ‘win by brute force’ aspect of German football.
maybe, just maybe, because nobody watches the Bundesliga, no one knew anything about the players? The same way Lee Dixon says Lahm is overated, the same way Hansen always says Germany are average, the same way ITV said Klose and Podolski are awful players, the same way the BBC predicted England to destroy Germany, I think it is just down to the fact nobody watches German football.
Is it really a surprise they are so good? Really? Even the youngsters like Ozil have been leading Champions League teams like Bremen, or Khedira leads VFB, or Neuer is a veteran at 24. All the signs were there, beating everyone comprehensively in the U-21 Finals last year.
Also many tend to overlook their qualification, 26 points out of 30, including a double over Russia.
Many also think because Joachim Loew is not exotic, but his preparation is meticulous, he leaves nothing to chance, unlike England waiting for Rooney to do something special, Loew programmes every single detail for Germany.
I just think more of the world needs to watch more football, there is football outside of the premier league you know.
Germany’s playing some of the most entertaining football in the World Cup by being energetic, lively, showing team spirit and above all their lethal counter-attacks.
However, the circumstances have played in Germany’s strategy as against both England and Argentina, the Germans scored first and were able to use their threat from the counter to great effect. The key for Spain is to score first and then the Germans will finally be tested.
No disrespect to England’s and Argentina’s defensive players, but both teams have a medicore back-line at best. Spain’s Ramos and Puyol are far better than all of Argentina’s and England’s defenders. Add to that Maradona is clueless as a Coach and the Germans had a clear advantage. Not taking anything away from Germany because they’re deserving of a place in the semi-final.
All I am saying is they’ve had luck on their side and to win a World Cup luck is definitely needed. I think if Spain score first, then we can really see how good or not good Germany is because it will the first real test for the Germans to score and come from behind against a talented team.