ConanTL
06-20-2006, 08:52 AM
Cast your minds back 16 years if you will, to to the 1990 FIFA World Cup™, a tournament that began for West Germany with wins in their first two group matches.
In their third, Franz Beckenbauer's side faced South American, in this case Colombia, and drew 1-1 in a match which saw Jurgen Klinsmann, then the national team’s main goalscoring threat, fail to hit the target. As it transpired, of course, the German went on to lift the Trophy, and many later claimed that this minor slip against the Colombians had provided Beckenbauer's boys with a timely wake-up call.
This time, however, four FIFA World Cups later, Klinsmann believes that his class of 2006 will not stand to benefit should Ecuador manage to 'do a Colombia' at Berlin’s Olympiastadion. A draw, after all, would see Luiz Suarez's side finish top of Group A as the Tricolor currently boast a superior goal difference.
Past comparisons and goal difference aside, Tuesday’s match, which kicks off at 16:00 CET, promises be a momentous one. Not only will it represent Germany’s first appearance in the capital at this tournament, but it will decide which of these two sides - both of whom are already through to the Round of 16 - will advance as group winners.
Riding a wave of enthusiasm
The stage is therefore set for scene three of Germany’s dramatic campaign and the expectation is that it will also prove the highlight of the first act, at least as far as Klinsmann is concerned. “We are looking to beat Ecuador and finish top of the group – doing that would mean a lot to us,” the coach said this week.
In addition to further boosting German morale, a third consecutive win would likely see Klinsmann's team avoid a Round of 16 date with England, who though far from impressive thus far, possess enough individual talent to frighten any coach. The Mannschaft coach is also keen to see maintain their early momentum and continue on the crest of the wave of optimism that reached new heights following the dramatic last-gasp win over Poland.
On the evening before the game, the stifling weather broke and thunder rang out over Berlin during Germany’s final training session, as if to usher in this dramatic clash. Despite the pressure, striker Lukas Podolski was in upbeat mood: “They (Ecuador) take no prisoners, but I’m not worried, because we can fight just as hard.”
Klinsmann was in full agreement with the Bayern Munich-bound forward, saying: “It’ll be tough, as we’ll find out soon enough tomorrow. This is going to be one of those hard-fought matches that really take it out of you. It’ll be a real battle – that’s Ecuador’s style.”
Much attention currently surrounds Podolski. While his strike partner, Miroslav Klose, already has two goals and as many good performances to his name, 'Prince Poldi' has thus far flattered to deceive and is still looking for his first FIFA World Cup goal. The expectations of an entire country seem to be weighing heavily on the 21-year-old’s shoulders, and he recently criticised the media for allegedly fuelling the debate surrounding his performances.
Podolski under pressure
Klinsmann, however, is counting on the fans' favourite raising his game to match a striker, in Klose, who has set the highest of standards. "The World Cup is an opportunity for me to put myself forward,” Klose said confidently. “My ultimate aim is to be part of an elite group of players.”
Despite his current struggles, Podolski is very much the ace up Germany’s sleeve as he is the kind of player who can turn a game on his own. However, while the attack may still be searching for a catalyst to open the floodgates, at the other end of the pitch, Klinsmann will be relieved that his very own 'Mr Reliable' will be on hand to keep the door firmly closed when Ecuador press forward, with Christoph Metzelder having been passed fit.
Ballack will also be in the starting line-up, despite the fact that he already has a yellow card to his name, meaning that a booking against Ecuador would rule him out of the Round of 16 game. The Germany captain missed the opening match due to a calf problem and Klinsmann feels that he would benefit greatly from having another game under his belt.
In their third, Franz Beckenbauer's side faced South American, in this case Colombia, and drew 1-1 in a match which saw Jurgen Klinsmann, then the national team’s main goalscoring threat, fail to hit the target. As it transpired, of course, the German went on to lift the Trophy, and many later claimed that this minor slip against the Colombians had provided Beckenbauer's boys with a timely wake-up call.
This time, however, four FIFA World Cups later, Klinsmann believes that his class of 2006 will not stand to benefit should Ecuador manage to 'do a Colombia' at Berlin’s Olympiastadion. A draw, after all, would see Luiz Suarez's side finish top of Group A as the Tricolor currently boast a superior goal difference.
Past comparisons and goal difference aside, Tuesday’s match, which kicks off at 16:00 CET, promises be a momentous one. Not only will it represent Germany’s first appearance in the capital at this tournament, but it will decide which of these two sides - both of whom are already through to the Round of 16 - will advance as group winners.
Riding a wave of enthusiasm
The stage is therefore set for scene three of Germany’s dramatic campaign and the expectation is that it will also prove the highlight of the first act, at least as far as Klinsmann is concerned. “We are looking to beat Ecuador and finish top of the group – doing that would mean a lot to us,” the coach said this week.
In addition to further boosting German morale, a third consecutive win would likely see Klinsmann's team avoid a Round of 16 date with England, who though far from impressive thus far, possess enough individual talent to frighten any coach. The Mannschaft coach is also keen to see maintain their early momentum and continue on the crest of the wave of optimism that reached new heights following the dramatic last-gasp win over Poland.
On the evening before the game, the stifling weather broke and thunder rang out over Berlin during Germany’s final training session, as if to usher in this dramatic clash. Despite the pressure, striker Lukas Podolski was in upbeat mood: “They (Ecuador) take no prisoners, but I’m not worried, because we can fight just as hard.”
Klinsmann was in full agreement with the Bayern Munich-bound forward, saying: “It’ll be tough, as we’ll find out soon enough tomorrow. This is going to be one of those hard-fought matches that really take it out of you. It’ll be a real battle – that’s Ecuador’s style.”
Much attention currently surrounds Podolski. While his strike partner, Miroslav Klose, already has two goals and as many good performances to his name, 'Prince Poldi' has thus far flattered to deceive and is still looking for his first FIFA World Cup goal. The expectations of an entire country seem to be weighing heavily on the 21-year-old’s shoulders, and he recently criticised the media for allegedly fuelling the debate surrounding his performances.
Podolski under pressure
Klinsmann, however, is counting on the fans' favourite raising his game to match a striker, in Klose, who has set the highest of standards. "The World Cup is an opportunity for me to put myself forward,” Klose said confidently. “My ultimate aim is to be part of an elite group of players.”
Despite his current struggles, Podolski is very much the ace up Germany’s sleeve as he is the kind of player who can turn a game on his own. However, while the attack may still be searching for a catalyst to open the floodgates, at the other end of the pitch, Klinsmann will be relieved that his very own 'Mr Reliable' will be on hand to keep the door firmly closed when Ecuador press forward, with Christoph Metzelder having been passed fit.
Ballack will also be in the starting line-up, despite the fact that he already has a yellow card to his name, meaning that a booking against Ecuador would rule him out of the Round of 16 game. The Germany captain missed the opening match due to a calf problem and Klinsmann feels that he would benefit greatly from having another game under his belt.