http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/050617/1/3wwa.html
German attacking verve outweighs defensive frailty
17 June 2005
by FIFAworldcup.com
More than 24 hours after Germany's 4-3 opening victory over Australia at the
FIFA Confederations Cup 2005, one topic continues to dominate the headlines
in the host country: the Germans' uncharacteristically porous defence,
pronounced guilty by the media for all three Australian goals and distinctly
shaky in a number of pressure situations.
"That was a goalkeeper's nightmare. There's nothing you can do, you stand
there looking stupid and pick the ball out of the net," a visibly angry
Oliver Kahn declared. The German rearguard had already attracted a barrage of
criticism in the run-up to the tournament, but the latest showing has seen
the rumbling concern rise to a crescendo.
The bulk of the criticism was again directed at Chelsea's Robert Huth, but
coach Ju"rgen Klinsmann moved to protect the 20-year-old. "We're very, very
happy with how Robert's coming on. Obviously he's going to make a few
mistakes. We know he has huge potential, and we're totally behind him."
The coach is not planning wholesale changes in defence for Germany's second
group match against Tunisia in Cologne on Saturday. "We'll continue with the
back four we have. I need the lads to keep collecting experience. Our young
defenders are allowed to make mistakes. They'll be given the chance to show
they can do it better," the coach insisted.
Keeper Kahn was equally keen not to escalate the situation into a crisis,
looking forward to the next match in relaxed frame of mind. "You shouldn't
get knocked out of your stride. I'm not desperately worried. It would be a
mistake to start pointing fingers at individual defenders."
And indeed, two figures emerged with credit from the match. Per Mertesacker
put in his customary muscular display, and crowned a solid match with a debut
international goal. The 20-year-old came off the field with a bruised thigh
but is not rated doubtful for Saturday.
The Hanover centre-half called on his side to produce a significantly
improved performance: "We have to be more resolute in the challenges. We can
get better in every department," he remarked.
Berlin's Arne Friedrich has also seen his stock on the rise after a dynamic
attacking performance from right-back. He set up Germany's opener, and won
the penalty from which Michael Ballack made the score 3-2. "I've showed a few
people that's the position I want. I'm satisfied. I played a good
international game," Friedrich himself observed.
Germany's attacking efforts attracted an altogether more positive commentary.
The side has scored more than three goals in six of the 12 games since
Klinsmann took the helm. Once again, a starring role fell to Lukas Podolski.
The 20-year-old Cologne talent has scored five in his last five appearances,
and looks the form striker for the time being.
The player is determined to add to his impressive record on his home turf
this Saturday. "Obviously it's very special when you play in front of your
own crowd. I'm certainly looking forward to it. We're aiming at another win,"
declared the man dubbed "Prince Poldi" by his adoring fans.
A majority of the footballing public may feel a certain indifference towards
the media assessment of Klinsmann's men, as there was no doubting the
entertainment on offer in Frankfurt. The Cologne crowd can justifiably expect
similar fireworks, as the coach is not about to abandon his attacking
tactics: "I wouldn't have a problem with winning next year's FIFA World Cup
opening match 5-4," he smiled. Fans all over the world, and not only German
diehards, would certainly agree with that.
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