Revenge at stake as Germany meet Brazil
24 June 2005
by FIFAworldcup.com
Three years on from the final of the FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan 2002,
footballing destiny brings Germany and Brazil together again in the
closing stages of a FIFA tournament.
While a Germany victory in front of their own fans in Saturday's FIFA
Confederations Cup semi-final would not erase the pain of that defeat
in Yokohama, it could go some way towards healing the wounds. Any preview
of the drama about to unfold in Nuremberg is incomplete without reference
to the 2-0 triumph that earned Brazil their fifth world title.
Ronaldo's two goals, Oliver Kahn's misfortune, Marcos's brilliance between
the sticks for Brazil, and the suspended Michael Ballack's forlorn presence
on the sidelines; all are enduring images of the teams' last competitive
meeting. However, when the first whistle blows at the Frankenstadion,
these will be consigned definitively to the past, as two sides with
the future in mind strive towards the same target: the FIFA Confederations
Cup final on 29 June.
Germany’s youthful promise
After Germany's defeat by Brazil three summers ago, there were calls for
a complete overhaul of the team. But it was not until after UEFA EURO 2004
that the process started, with Jurgen Klinsmann appointed coach to carry
out the rebuilding work. The results of his labours are beginning to be
seen. Backed up by the experience of Kahn, Ballack and Torsten Frings,
Klinsman has brought together a group of young players who, it is hoped,
will be able to meet the huge public expectations at the FIFA World Cup
in 12 months' time. Victory against Brazil would provide early proof of
their promise.
One such talented tyro is Per Mertesacker. Despite his limited years (20)
and experience (ten caps), the Hannover 96 player appears to have become
a key component of Klinsmann's defence. He made his debut in September
2004, one month after Germany’s 1-1 friendly draw with the Brazilians
in Berlin. "I don't remember much about that game, to be honest,"
Mertesacker said, "but to be playing against Brazil now is unbelievable
for me. I am feeling a bit nervous but that's normal. It is probably a
good thing because it helps you to concentrate," continued the imposing
centre-half.
As well as Mertesacker, Klinsmann should give a run-out to Thomas
Hitzlsperger, Robert Huth, Lukas Podolski and Kevin Kuranyi, to name
the pick of his youthful crop. He will also be interested to see how the
team copes without midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, who is suspended
after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament against Argentina.
The two faces of Brazil
For Klinsmann's counterpart, Carlos Alberto Parreira, the question is which
Brazil will be on display – the one that has provided delicious moments
when in possession, or the one that stutters worryingly when shorn of the
ball. Now they have reached the semi-finals there can be no excuses: "This
is not a time to experiment. We've looked at enough players and now we have
to put out our best team, both technically and fitness-wise. We have to win
games now," said the coach. Of the opposition, Parreira added: "Technically,
they are a good side and they are also very motivated. They are the home
team, they are looking towards the World Cup, so it is going to be a very
difficult game."
Centre-back Lucio, a veteran of Yokohama whose Bundesliga experience makes
him well qualified to comment, offered a similar analysis: "Germany have
quality and they are also at home. They are good going forward while they
have improved a lot in midfield, where they now have players capable of
scoring goals. It will be a really tough match."
Brazil have not lost against Germany since 1993, when they went down 2-1 in
a friendly in Cologne. Their only encounter in this competition was in the
FIFA Confederations Cup Mexico 1999, when the South Americans ran out 4-0
winners.
Ronaldinho, who scored in that game and also starred at Korea/Japan 2002,
has heard the criticism of his team and spoke for all his team-mates when
he said: "I think that Brazil are still favourites. We are world champions,
we have a glorious history and we have everyone's respect. Our job now is
to go out there against Germany in the semi-final and show why we are a team
to be feared." Germany have been warned.
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