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A nation for the big occasion
Even the top pundits in the game know better than to write
off Germany ahead of a major championships.
Major force
Their performance in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where they lost
2-0 to Brazil in the final, showed that - even without Franz
Beckenbauer, Lothar Matthäus and Jürgen Klinsmann
in their ranks - Germany are still one of the major forces
in the world game.
Tough qualification
Their form in the build up t EURO 2004 was consistent if a
little unspectacular. Drawn with Iceland, Scotland, Lithuania
and the Faroe Islands, Germany were expected to qualify at
a canter. Rudi Völler's side remained unbeaten throughout
but struggled in the goalscoring department, relying heavily
on their miserly defence to book their ticket to Portugal.
World stars
Before the 2002 World Cup Germany were criticised for their
negative tactics and the fact that they had no superstars
in their squad. However, some breathtaking displays from midfield
player Michael Ballack and goalkeeper Oliver Kahn soon silenced
their detractors.
New Beckenbauer
Indeed, the form of Ballack and their inspirational captain
Kahn - both plying their trade at FC Bayern München -
will be crucial to Germany's success in Portugal. Ballack,
regarded as the new Beckenbauer, is the complete midfield
player. Not only does he score goals for fun, he possesses
great passing, tackling and aerial ability.
Midfield quartet
Völler's direct tactics often see the German midfield
bypassed but - when called upon - Ballack is likely to be
paired with playmaker Sebastian Deisler in the creative department.
Graft over craft
Germany's recent success has been based more on industry than
their craft, with the tireless work of Jens Jeremies in a
holding role in front of the back four alongside Bernd Schneider.
Worryingly for Völler, however, Ballack is Germany's
only genuine outfield star and the heartbeat of the German
side.
Blunt attack
The coach's primary concern is his side's inability to find
the net. With goals hard to come by, Ballack's driving runs
from midfield have been their most penetrative offering in
qualification. Their disappointing performance upfront in
the 1-1 draw at home against Lithuania highlighted this problem.
Kuranyi class
Völler leaned heavily on the young shoulders of striker
Miroslav Klose to score the goals in Korea/Japan but the 1.
FC Kaiserslautern striker has been consigned to the bench
in recent matches, with Fredi Bobic and Kevin Kuranyi preferred
in the two attacking berths.
Form in front of goal
With controversial striker Carsten Jancker no longer in the
equation, Germany's chances of success in Portugal may hinge
on one of these three forwards finding their form at international
level.
Resolute defence
One area which Völler can rely on is his defence which
is superbly organised by their boisterous keeper. Kahn, who
turns 35 during EURO 2004™, was voted best player at
the 2002 World Cup after some stunning displays as Germany's
last line of defence.
Solid back four
Kahn remains one of the best goalkeepers in the game, showing
remarkable agility for his age and bossing his box and his
stalwart defenders. The back four boasts uncompromising centre-back
Marko Rehmer, Christian Wörns and rising stars Arne Friedrich
and Christoph Metzelder.
Over achieved
It is remarkable that Völler took this squad all the
way to the World Cup final in 2002 but, as Europe's best performers,
there is no reason why Germany cannot secure their third UEFA
European Championship. After all there is a lot to be said
for efficiency, unity and good organisation.
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