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.

Hosting the 2006 FIFA World Cup and labeled as one of the favorites, Germany is well aware it cannot have a poor showing in front of its home fans. Finishing as runners-up to Brazil at the 2002 World Cup in Korea, Germany will attempt to take one step further and claim the World Cup Trophy four years later. Sportsbooks have listed Germany at 7/1 odds to win the tournament. Having the opportunity to play part of its international friendly schedule on the same pitches chosen for the World Cup, Germany has the favorable intangibles heading into June's event. Factoring in its home field advantage, Germany's chances should fall second behind defending champion Brazil to capture the FIFA title and would be a wise bet to go all the way.

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As the World Cup approaches, Klinsmann's responsibilities will only be magnified and his team's results will be the true deciding factor. While critics cite that Klinsmann job is slipping away from him, The President of the German Football Federation (DFB), Theo Zwanziger, stands by his man and insists that Klinsmann's job is safe through the 2006 World Cup. "We have not for one second regretted having signed him during a difficult phase. We are absolutely certain he is the right man for the job. There is no wavering on this issue."

Beyond his national team's mediocre play, controversy has also arisen for Klinsmann's decision to reside in the United States. While Klinsmann has been able to commute and be available for his team, his choice has warranted pressure to move to Germany before the 2006 World Cup and get his team in top form for the tournament.

Wednesday's friendly with the United States had been dubbed as a 'do-or-die' game by a German media outlet. Great expectations faced Klinsmann to deliver a victory at home. The game was played in Dortmund's Westfalen stadium, one of the 12 venues for this year's FIFA finals. This was Germany's second to last friendly before kicking off the 2006 World Cup.

Germany was able to breathe a sigh of relief for its head coach as they defeated the United States, 4-1. Bastian Schweinsteiger, Oliver Neuville, Miroslav Klose and Michael Ballack all scored goals as this victory gained back some instant morale for its head coach Klinsmann. Although thrilled to come away with a win, Klinsmann still realizes that this match was just a small step towards the summer and he will need consistency in order to regain trust from critics. "We are delighted to get the win tonight. It has not been pleasant getting so much criticism but you have to live with it. Franz Beckenbauer advised me not to read any newspapers before the finals and I think I will do that!"