Posted on Friday 9 June 2006
Exactly as expected Germany got past an overmatched Costa Rican side 4-2. The offensive firepower from Germany was constantly on display, unfortunately so was their completely inept defense.
Germany will be able to outscore teams to easily get through a round or two, but unless some sudden transformation shores up the defense, they’ll struggle after that. Obviously their only philosophy on defense is to have a good offense.
The mouth, Michael Ballack, was shown to be completely unnecessary unless he wants to suit up in the back. Any team that makes Paolo Wanchope look like a stud, are in deep trouble when they face a real one.
I was surprised to see so much scoring in the opening game.
Germany looked very well prepared and motivated and the fact that they were aggresive is a great great sign. An appropriate debut for a favoured squad.
Hats are off to the highly criticized German coach Juergen Klinnsman whose unconventional and modern approach might just lift this squad to a higher level
The David Beckham like goal by 29 year old Torsten Frings was UNBELIEVABLE, BEAUTIFUL AND SPECTACULAR!!!!! With very little space to work in, Frings launched a powerful right footed blast inches inside the upper right corner of the goals and just beyond the Costa Rican goal keeper.
I disagree with those who say German’s defense played poorly. They held the Costa Rican side to only one goal because the second goal scored by Costa Rica should have been called off side.
Well done Germany!
Germany displayed an iron curtain defense against Poland Wednesday night, allowing only 3 shots on goal and controlling the ball 58% of the game. The Germans proved that as it always has been, their defense is still one of the top in the world. Giving up only 3 shots on goal is impressive, Germany and their iron curtain defense richly deserved this impressive win.
On Italian TV, Paolo Rossi really was effusive in his praise for 22 year old German defender, Phillip Lahm. Rossi doles out praise fairly grudingly so I was quite taken by how strongly Rossi praised Lahm’s role. He stated that Lahm was not only an instinctively good player with good skills, but that Rossi was quite impressed by Lahm’s decision making skills. Lahm had a game full of good crosses that led to numerous German near scores.
Good to hear Paolo Rossi is alive and well. He was the man in the 82 cup.
Rossi is part of the fantastic Italian Sky Network team that does pre game and post game analysis. He plays the sort of wise senior statesman role although age has been good to Rossi and he looks younger than his years. The entire team’s analysis is always great.
The host of the show is the amazingly beautiful Ilaria D’Amico, who is a treat for the eyes and she actually knows her football too.
For those of you curious with the treats my eyes get to enjoy every night, have a look at this link
http://www.skytv.it/MondialiSKY/11-IlariaDamico.htm
You jammy bastard. In the States, ESPN has given us Julie Foudy. Neither hot nor knowledgeable–no picture forthcoming. She must be there only to pander to the lesbian demographic. Somehow, ESPN figured because she played for the woman’s team she must know something, but it’s laughable. Further evidence of the complete lack of respect ESPN gives the game here.
We do ocassionally get a glimpse of Georgie (what’s her name) from Sky Sports on the Soccer Channel.
Thing’s are bleak here for soccer fans. Bleaker than you can possibly imagine.
They always show Ilaria’s legs too and her legs are brilliant. What a burden that we Italian fans must bear
When I lived in England, ITV had a fantastic beauty on the post game show named Gabby Logan, she is blond and stunning. I lived with my girlfriend at the time and she was the jealous type so I had to pretend not to be interested every time I saw that unbelievable babe.
http://www.itv-football.co.uk/Story/0,14272,6116_647387,00.html