Germany is hoping World Cup history repeats concerning host countries. In 1974, West Germany defeated Netherlands 2-1 for its second title 20 years after whipping Hungary 2-1 in Switzerland.
In all, host nations have triumphed six times in the 17 tournaments, the last in 1998 when France upset defending champ Brazil, 3-0.
Germany, reunified months after the Berlin Wall came down, captured its third World Cup in '90, edging Argentina 1-0 in Italy. In '86 at Mexico and in '82 at Spain, Germany was runner-up losing to Argentina 3-2 and Italy 3-1, respectively.
It's among half-dozen nations given the best chance to win this year's tournament besides Argentina, Brazil, England, France and Italy. All have one thing in common - they've been champions, several winning three or more times. In addition, this is Germany's 15th appearance.
Sign-up today with WagerWeb Sportsbook and receive a huge 50% bonus on your first deposit up to $500
Click Here
Coach Jurgen Klinsmann didn't sound confident late last year when he said getting to the quarterfinals would be considered a success for the team. That was before the World Cup draw.
Germany, seeded fourth in the 32-team tournament, was placed in Group A with Ecuador, Poland and Costa Rica. Many experts believe Germany, ranked 17th by the FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) in January, should zip through the bracket with ease into the second round.
None of the others cracked the Top 20. Costa Rica, making its third appearance, doesn't look as good as the team that made the second round in '90. Ecuador, which debuted in '02 losing in the first round, lacks star power to win on European soil.
Poland, the most experienced with five previous World Cups under its belt, played in three consecutive tournaments starting in '82 when it finished third. However, 'the 06 squad is considered among the weakest in Europe.
There is a bit of controversy centering on Klinsmann. He was criticized for making Southern California his home with wife Debbie, a native Californian, and their two children, Jonathan, 8, and Laila, 4, who attend an international school in Orange County.
"We knew here they could grow up as normal kids," said Klinsmann, 41, who had a distinguished playing career with European clubs and began coaching the national team in the summer of '04.
"In Germany, they would always be the kids from the former player and would always be connected with the name and the past, and for me personally, I didn't want to live in the past," he said. "I wanted to start the second chapter in my life."
He enjoys the blissful anonymity, looking like any suburban dad on the sidelines watching his son play soccer on weekends.
"One of the biggest problems is why is Klinsmann living in America if he is the national coach?" asks Klause Schlutter, a sports reporter at the tabloid Bild, the country's largest newspaper. "This is a sore point for a lot of people."
A headline above a recent feature in the weekly Die Zeit read: "The Stranger," which also means, "The Foreigner." The subhead: "His flights (or escapes) to America put people off. His training methods, as well. And he is supposed to bag the World Cup with his players. Who is Jurgen Klinsmann?"
The coach said, "In Germany, we have the mentality that you always need to justify yourself whatever you do. Here (California) you don't need to justify what you do; here you do it."
The debate became so contentious that former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder went out of his way to defend the coach.
Klinsmann has until May 15 to decide on his 23-man squad. "We have 28 players in mind, but only 23 will travel to the World Cup," he told Germany's Kicker magazine.
Among those expected to make the trip are: Oliver Kahn, one of three goalkeepers that performed well in the last World Cup. Some newspapers referred to Germany as "Kahn Country" because of his great saves.
Outstanding midfielders are:
Michael Ballack, the team captain that has played in 50 games for Germany. The Association of German Sports Journalists voted him Footballer of the Year in '02 and '03.
Bastian Schweinsteiger, graduate of a youth academy, played in international competition for the first time in '04. He's adept at various positions and is considered one of Germany's best forwards.
Outstanding strikers are:
Lukas Podolski, another young player, rose to stardom in German league play less than three years ago. Surrounded by excellent teammates, many experts believe he could become a scoring machine.
Miroslav Klose, leading scorer in a German league, is expected to play after injuring his shoulder slipping on an icy patch this winter. He's considered a key member of the squad.
Germany 2006 World Cup Odds: Germany is heavily favored to take Group A. It's nearly 7-1 to win the tournament, according to the average odds of 19 sportsbooks.
Germany 2006 World Cup Strengths: It has an aggressive offense. The fast-paced, explosive attack improves scoring. Goalkeeping is more than adequate.
Germany 2006 World Cup Weaknesses: Defense is its Achilles heel. Germany last summer won the FIFA Confederations Cup, but gave up 11 goals in five games. Youth must step up.
Germany 2006 World Cup Outlook: Playing at home is an edge and Germany should make the semi-finals for the 11th time.
Germany 2006 World Cup First Round Match Schedule (all times local):
Friday, June 9, Group A1 Germany vs. Group A2 Costa Rica, in Munich, 6 p.m.
Wednesday, June 14, Group A1 Germany vs. Group A3 Poland, in Dortmund, 9 p.m.
Tuesday, June 20, Group 4A Ecuador vs. Group 1A Germany, Berlin, 4 p.m.
Germany Using Home Advantage to Reinvent Itself
by Michael Phillips - 05/16/2006
"When you came out of the tunnel, the first thing that hit you was the change from darkness to light, and then, a second later, it was the noise. It was like a solid wall, and it either terrified you, or it made you feel eight feet tall. God knows what it did to the other team" This is former England player Jack Charlton, talking about playing for his country at Wembley, the ground where his team won their one and only World Cup.
Read more about Germany Home Field Advantage at the 2006 World Cup.
Criticism of Germany's Klinsmann Continues To Mount
by Jordan Adams - 03/24/2006
As team Germany prepares for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the primary spotlight shines on head coach Juergen Klinsmann. His inability to get the most out of his team has brought criticism from the German media. Though extremely talented, Germany had its share of disappointing results, losing to Italy, 4-1, suffering an embarrassing loss to Turkey, a team that failed to qualify for the summer tournament and managing a scoreless draw versus the French.
Read more about Klinsmann Criticism.
Doc's Sports Handy Links:
World Cup Trophy
World Cup Winners
2006 World Cup Odds
