WORLD CUP 2006 / GERMANY

[Jim R]

A lyrical view about Zidane from The Guardian (UK):

"He walked off the pitch with a wink. While the younger ones cavorted in front of the blue corner, Zinedine Zidane took himself away from the limelight. He embraced a few desolate Brazilians, saluted some unused substitutes, stood back from the party and took his leave. It is always best to watch the quiet ones.

France began this tournament saddled with worries about the ageing legs at the heart of their team, but they have changed their tune. Allez les vieux. The capacity to inspire beats on inside Zidane.

The games might be running out, but there is a first time for everything. One of the enduring curiosities of the France team - the sheer oddness of a statistic that told of 54 games when Zidane and Thierry Henry played together for France without the master creator setting up the master marksman a single time - was obliterated.

Zidane, just as he did in his finest hour, welcomed the opportunity to shatter Brazil. He stood over a set piece on the flank, measuring the moment. He stroked over a free-kick, the ball dipped perfectly to bypass the bewildered Brazil defence and land in front of Henry's right boot. Merci, mon ami. About time too.

While Henry ran off into goalscoring glory, followed by the majority of his team-mates, the old maestro smiled to himself. Patrick Vieira, his vice captain, ran over to engulf him. The legend lives on and on.

How could he have had an ordinary game here? How could he bow out just after reminding us of his wonders with that vintage goal against Spain? How could he not have illuminated this occasion with flashes of the sumptuous talent that has made him probably the greatest player of his generation. A genuine maestro.

'Zizou president' - on the night of 12 July 1998, those two words filled the night air like fireworks. And in a funny way, Zizou's disciples really believed what they were singing. Zidane, the son of Algerian immigrants, the child of the Marseille banlieue come good, the man whose humility made him the most introverted kind of hero imaginable, he didn't just unite football fans. He united France.

It was inevitable there would be so many flashbacks here. France versus Brazil, with Zidane and Ronaldo on the pitch, it was impossible not to reflect on the drama that entwined these two players - the best of their generation - eight years ago.

They shared a private joke in front of thousands of prying eyes here in Frankfurt in the seconds before kick-off. Beaming at one another with silly grins from opposing sides of the centre circle, they would be the best of enemies for one more night.

It was first blood to Zidane, who rolled the ball, pirouetted and surged away. A classic move. The French fans roared their approval. He emulated it just before half time with another example of ageless craft. Zidane made difficult control look easy and then had the imagination to conjure a pass that sent Patrick Vieira hurtling towards goal.

For a man whose gait is a little ungainly, he has always possessed such delicacy of touch, such deft balance. It seems effortless, and yet evidently not entirely so. Sweat always drips off him like Amazonian rainfall.

There will be time ahead to reflect on the snapshots of a gilt-edged career. He will remember the day he began making strides as a teenager with Cannes, taking his first wage packet of £500 and handing it straight over to his parents. On his first appearance along the coast in his home town, at the Stade Velodrome, he helped the underdogs of Cannes inflict a rare defeat on the Olympique Marseille team managed by none other than Franz Beckenbauer.

He will remember becoming a Galactico, unveiled at the Bernabeu as the most expensive player of all time - the £49 million fee a record that still stands. And repaying some of that with a gaspingly poetic volley to win the European Cup in the white of Real Madrid at Hampden Park.

He will remember les Bleus. The full spectrum of emotions. Thigh strapped and legs shackled, he was part of the abomination that was France's World Cup exit from the 2002 World Cup. Two years before that he was a great player playing out of his skin in a team designed around his brilliance. He was the arch trickster. He was the team's metronome. He was zen master. He was the man. Watching him keep yogic calm at the penalty spot while Portugal virtually started a riot around him was to witness a man entirely at one with his chosen art. Of course he scored.

Above all, he will remember the summer of 1998. Throughout the tournament his face covered the side of a building overlooking Marseille's port along the Corniche. By the end, that familiar gaze illuminated the Arc de Triomphe after two soaring headers to propel France to their only World Cup. So far. And for that he will always be Zizou President.

In 1998 he was sent off for a vicious, reckless stamp in a match when France were cantering past Saudi Arabia. Genius always comes with a dark side. We will remember the good times. We thought they were all over. They aren't just yet."

Amy Lawrence is an Observer football writer

Thank you, that was very enjoyable.

[Alexander Hawkins]

No coincidence, I feel, that Frank Lampard has become one of the world's top midfield players since he began lining up with Makelele. Claude is an absolute icon amongst Chelsea fans, FWIW!

Sorry, but I strongly disagree. I think Lampard is nothing more than a "good" player, who should indeed be grateful for the presence of Makelele. On an international level, against strong opponents I've never seen Lampard play as good as he does in the Premiership.

He had an extremely poor World Cup, there's no denying that. He also, it's true, disappointed against Barcelona in the Champions' League. However, he is without a doubt - I include Gerrard, Fabregas, etc. in the reckoning - the finest midfielder playing in this country.

He scores more goals than any other midfielder I can think of in Europe (equalled this season by Gerrard, but only by 'virtue' of the fact that Gerrard scored a hatful against frankly dreadful teams in Champions' League pre-qualifying).

[Mourinho rates him as the best in the business, but I accept - he would say that !]

In recent games (pre-WC), he has been England's leading midfielder - at times when Gerrard and Beckham, as is their wont, 'went missing'...

BTW - I wonder (I'm not sure what I think myself) - if the top domestic leagues aren't of a higher standard than World Cup football, by and large? Different, as well, of course, but (Henry is a prime example), I sometimes have limited truck with 'can't pull it off at international level' arguments...

Edited July 2, 2006 by Red

[J.A.W.]

BTW - I wonder (I'm not sure what I think myself) - if the top domestic leagues aren't of a higher standard than World Cup football, by and large? Different, as well, of course, but (Henry is a prime example), I sometimes have limited truck with 'can't pull it off at international level' arguments...

I wonder about that too. There were quite a few horrid games during the current World Cup, but I've also seen a lot of German Bundesliga, Italian Serie A, Spanish La Liga and Premiership games (all these leagues are shown on Dutch TV) that were unbelievably bad...

[Alexander Hawkins]

BTW - I wonder (I'm not sure what I think myself) - if the top domestic leagues aren't of a higher standard than World Cup football, by and large? Different, as well, of course, but (Henry is a prime example), I sometimes have limited truck with 'can't pull it off at international level' arguments...

I wonder about that too. There were quite a few horrid games during the current World Cup, but I've also seen a lot of German Bundesliga, Italian Serie A, Spanish La Liga and Premiership games (all these leagues are shown on Dutch TV) that were unbelievably bad...

For sure; although around relegation time, there're always those matches falling into the 'so bad, they're good' category !

I suppose it's an apples and oranges type question in the end.

So...predictions for the semis?

I'll have

Germany 2 - 0 Italy

and

Portugal 0 - 1 France.

Scores are just an outside guess really. Fluke of flukes if I get them right. But I'm fairly sure about the winners of the games. I can't see the Germans not beating Italy, especially being the home team etc. And Portugal really didn't trouble the England goal in the QF, and I wouldn't really back them against an 'on-song' France.

[Claude]

I never watch football except for the World or European Cup (i.e. a couple of matches every two years). It's only the excitement of the occasion that makes it interesting. I watched the horrible Switzerland-Ukraine game in Delft (Netherlands) on a hotel TV smaller than a PC monitor, with dutch commentary, and I enjoyed it. But after the final, no football for me until the next Cup.

As there are large portugese, italian, french and german minorities in Luxembourg, there will certainly be a lot of celebration and disappointment here in the next days.

[mikeweil]

So...predictions for the semis?

I'll have

Germany 2 - 0 Italy

and

Portugal 0 - 1 France.

Same here.

I wasn't surprised Brazil was knocked out of the tournament, just like the Argentinians (who played much better in comparison) they were much too sure of themselves. It's the real teamwork that wins the games here - and the real strong will to make it. The French are just beginning to get it. Those German players are so unpretentious, I wish them well - which I never before did!

Edited July 2, 2006 by mikeweil

[Brad]

Some fine commentary here since yesterday. As far as predictions, I'll go with the current thinking. However, I think that it will be France 2-0. I just hope that the quality, if you can call it that, of the Portugal team doesn't result in any yellow cards that have players missing from the final, especially Zidane.

[P.L.M]

I just hope that the quality, if you can call it that, of the Portugal team doesn't result in any yellow cards that have players missing from the final, especially Zidane.

I'm very worried about that to.

Not so much for ZIDANE. Like everybody he can do bad fault (and not specially clever one) but he can behave himself better than anyone in the field when, he MUST do it. Of course, the possible provocation from PORTUGAL's players, the traditionnal diving that do EVERY players since a quater of century now, is something that can trick any refeere about any player.

I'm more afraid about the back. Imagine than SAGNOL, THURAM, VIEIRA or MAKELELE get a yellow and bye bye FRANCE.

Even if they qualified (who's far to be done, even if I'm quoite confident), you don't rebuilt a defense with players who has ZERO minutes play in the legs (CHIMBONDA, BOUMSONG) or les than a handfull of minutes (DIARRA, DORHASOO) to front the FINAL GAME.

And, without them, aniway, it will not be the team that we've liked to watch during the two last games.

As PORTUGAL is concern, I'm not so negative about the way they behave, anyway.

NEDERLAND has started the brutal playing (the treament that the "Little Pisser" receive after seven minutes of playing.

Against ENGLAND who will never makes it as it seems, they plaid very borderline, but IMO, "The little Pisser" (who shot a masterfull PK, by the way) was less annoying than his friend, from "MU", the terrible Mr ROONEY who is full of blood and nerves but who have to learn fast and deep that he can't BEHAVE the way he does when playing at this level.

Never think, by the way, than ERIKSSON was a good choice to lead this team.

And to lead it so long.

I'm afraid that the trainer they choose as succesor, is not the guy who can bring an answer to the sole and only question that he should solve: why a team full of great players like ENGLAND disbanded so tragically everytime that they must really GOING ON and SHOWs WHO THEY ARE.

Edited July 2, 2006 by P.L.M

[chris olivarez]

Congrats to the French for making it to the semis. I'm not sure if they are usually the better team then Brazil but they sure do have the Brazilians number.

[Alexander Hawkins]

I just hope that the quality, if you can call it that, of the Portugal team doesn't result in any yellow cards that have players missing from the final, especially Zidane.

I'm very worried about that to.

Not so much for ZIDANE. Like everybody he can do bad fault (and not specially clever one) but he can behave himself better than anyone in the field when, he MUST do it. Of course, the possible provocation from PORTUGAL's players, the traditionnal diving that do EVERY players since a quater of century now, is something that can trick any refeere about any player.

I'm more afraid about the back. Imagine than SAGNOL, THURAM, VIEIRA or MAKELELE get a yellow and bye bye FRANCE.

Even if they qualified (who's far to be done, even if I'm quoite confident), you don't rebuilt a defense with players who has ZERO minutes play in the legs (CHIMBONDA, BOUMSONG) or les than a handfull of minutes (DIARRA, DORHASOO) to front the FINAL GAME.

And, without them, aniway, it will not be the team that we've liked to watch during the two last games.

As PORTUGAL is concern, I'm not so negative about the way they behave, anyway.

NEDERLAND has started the brutal playing (the treament that the "Little Pisser" receive after seven minutes of playing.

Against ENGLAND who will never makes it as it seems, they plaid very borderline, but IMO, "The little Pisser" (who shot a masterfull PK, by the way) was less annoying than his friend, from "MU", the terrible Mr ROONEY who is full of blood and nerves but who have to learn fast and deep that he can't BEHAVE the way he does when playing at this level.

Never think, by the way, than ERIKSSON was a good choice to lead this team.

And to lead it so long.

I'm afraid that the trainer they choose as succesor, is not the guy who can bring an answer to the sole and only question that he should solve: why a team full of great players like ENGLAND disbanded so tragically everytime that they must really GOING ON and SHOWs WHO THEY ARE.

Nothing to add from me - I think you've nailed it !

[Brad]

Looking at the French yellow card situation, there is some cause for concern: Zidane, Viera, Ribery, Sagnol and Thuram each have one. Losing any of them could be a problem in the final.

[kenny weir]

Kenny - well done to the Socceroos (I have an Aussie mate who was out at a couple of the games). Unlike many of the teams, I think they managed to transcend their reputation.

I agree. This is even truer in light of subsequent results involving "powers" such as England, Sweden, Netherlands, Brazil etc etc.

Onwards and upwards for us from here on in. I can be very much the "half full" sort when I want to, so I can agree with the growing view that the tragic 1-0 loss to Italy could actually be the best thing that ever happened to Australian soccer - it's already part of our sports folklore.

Had we got to the semi-finals - quite probable given Ukraine's capitulation to Italy - it would would have been magnificent but perhaps lessened any incentive for the future.

As it is, we've now got a real beaut of a chip on our shoulder to inspire us for next time.

As I said before, there's a lot of retirements coming up and a new coach to find, as well as real nitty gritty stuff like youth development, Asian Cup, Beijing and so on.

And keeping a close eye on the 150 or so Aussies playing In Europe. BTW, how may Americans doing likewise?

Despite being on hols with my son, I've managed to watch most games. Fleeting impressions: England and Brazil, never in it really; Argentina and Spain, found out at last. For obvious reasons, I'll be rooting for Germany against Italy. As for France-Portugal, the French are playing like the Brazilians of this tournament!

[kenny weir]

... and the real strong will to make it.

This for me is the story of the tournament and largely why I am a happy Australian supporter. And for all their brilliance. individual and otherwise, those super powers who have departed deserve their fate.

[Phil Meloy]

Does anyone else think that Peter Crouch is the worst striker to ever play for England?

You could always put forward Emile Heskey as a candidate for that honour but I suppose you would have to try and make some kind of case that he was actually a striker in the first place.

[Phil Meloy]

Portugal's goalie has won the game for them. Terrific penalty stopper!

Hans, you are totally wrong: the English are terrible kickers.

Oh I don't know - Rooney got a good one in...

[marcoliv]

Congratulations Marcus! I hope you find refuge in the french embassy in Rio to celebrate

Merci mon cher Claude

some neighbors effectively complained about my behavior during the game but anyone who really know about me is sure about my deep passion for the french team.

i suffered a lot during the game expecting for a late goal from the yellow team but it was a complete relief when the referee blowed the final whistle.

after 4 years of retirement Zidane was back and played marvellously well and this had positive impact on the other players. i still think Henry should improve his playing on this competition.

we are far ahead from what i expected on this competition but i still think we should have Trezeguet on the team. i think it's a 50-50 against Portugal as their coach is a specialist on this kind of challenge.

after 4 years of misery it was very good to have a genuine moment of happiness

Impossible is not french

Allez les Bleus!

[couw]

In an extra speedy process following up on the Argentina-Germany brawl, FIFA has banned Germany's Frings from playing tomorrow.

[Alexander Hawkins]

Somewhat puzzling, I believe that Frings has actually been given a two game suspension - but the second game will be postponed should Germany make it through to the final. I can't decide whether this is or , morally speaking!

[J.A.W.]

Somewhat puzzling, I believe that Frings has actually been given a two game suspension - but the second game will be postponed should Germany make it through to the final. I can't decide whether this is or , morally speaking!

Not quite. He has been given a two-game ban with the second game suspended, period. Whether Germany qualify for the final or not is not relevant for the suspended game.

Edited July 4, 2006 by J.A.W.

[couw]

what I find a bit puzzling is that Frings is banned in an extra speedy process and that Figo is allowed to play after the Netherlands game. In case of Figo, FIFA points to the ref having made the decision and that's it. In case of Frings the ref was also only a few metres away, watching the goings on. Also: Cruz says he was not hit. Frings says he was just waving his arms in order not to be hit as he had been twice already. I find this all a bit shady and it looks to me as if FIFA wants to set an example and needs one of the Germany team so it can show what fine objective Association they are. To me it is still a bunch of authoritarian dickheads.

[P.L.M]

what I find a bit puzzling is that Frings is banned in an extra speedy process and that Figo is allowed to play after the Netherlands game. In case of Figo, FIFA points to the ref having made the decision and that's it. In case of Frings the ref was also only a few metres away, watching the goings on. Also: Cruz says he was not hit. Frings says he was just waving his arms in order not to be hit as he had been twice already. I find this all a bit shady and it looks to me as if FIFA wants to set an example and needs one of the Germany team so it can show what fine objective Association they are. To me it is still a bunch of authoritarian dickheads.

I'm obliged to aggreed with you one hundred per cent even if the possibility for the ref. to make any kind of intervention has ended with the match.

It was the work of the police at that moment (fight(s) between people in public place.)

What the referee, the officials, the FIFA observers, etc. can do is giving penalties (after inquires who can take a "certain time") to some players and officials from both team and to both team themselfves (look what happen to the Turks after the fight with the Swiss in the qualifying round for the WC.)

It would not be impossible to imagine than ARGENTINA will get some heavy penalties (oblige to play its qualifying games for the next WC away from home, by exemple) if we wasn't confronting to THIS FIFA, to whom the financial aspect of any kind of problem they encountered comme first and "justice" very much in second.

So, not much will happen here even if it was a WORLD disgrace.

Edited July 4, 2006 by P.L.M

[king ubu]

So...predictions for the semis?

I'll have

Germany 2 - 0 Italy

and

Portugal 0 - 1 France.

Same here.

I wasn't surprised Brazil was knocked out of the tournament, just like the Argentinians (who played much better in comparison) they were much too sure of themselves. It's the real teamwork that wins the games here - and the real strong will to make it. The French are just beginning to get it. Those German players are so unpretentious, I wish them well - which I never before did!

Mike, funny you should say this! You know, there are tons of Germans living in Switzerland (in Zurich I think they're the largest or second largest foreign group), and many of them are spreading out and being very loud and more or less naturally take more place for themselves than they leave for others... (sorry, it's no cliché, just drive the tramway and you'll see/hear yourself) and during the world cup things get even worse, of course (swiss behaviour gets worse, too, obviously... soccer seems to be an enemy of manners anyway). Now granted the Swiss *never* are fans of the German team, but now following only losely some games, some statements of Klinsmann etc. and witnessing the new and totally sympathic spirit of that team, I indeed wish them luck, too. The problem of the arrogance of many of the fans remains, of course, and I don't with anything to the fans, but the team looks indeed like they're very unpretentious.

And on the Frings-thing: isn't it totally ridiculous that based upon out-of-focus tv images where you cannot judge on distance (to me, the fist of Frings looks like it's at least 20 or 30 cm in front - or to the left - of the Argentinian's face) they are giving this pentalty? These images look like a make-believe hitting scene of a Laurel & Hardy kind of film... best someone makes sure FIFA gets rid fast of that corrupt swiss guy heading them! (But I guess there are 20 of the same making in the queue behind him, waiting to replace him if he goes...)

[Alexander Hawkins]

Somewhat puzzling, I believe that Frings has actually been given a two game suspension - but the second game will be postponed should Germany make it through to the final. I can't decide whether this is or , morally speaking!

Not quite. He has been given a two-game ban with the second game suspended, period. Whether Germany qualify for the final or not is not relevant for the suspended game.

Ah - I hadn't appreciated that Hans. Slightly more understandable this way!

[P.L.M]

Now granted the Swiss *never* are fans of the German team, but now following only losely some games, some statements of Klinsmann etc. and witnessing the new and totally sympathic spirit of that team, I indeed wish them luck, too.

All the contrary, here, my KING.

In my view, what the football/ soccer's world doesn't NEED today is another GERMAN victory, deserved or not.

Maybe some of you has already forget HOW the german got the organisation of this cup who, normally, should have been organised by SOUTH-AFRICA.

So, sorry but I'm rooted for the three other teams, what so ever.

FRANCE first, of course, but ITALIA also and, yes, yes, PORTUGAL if it is that team who reach the final (what I'm not specially hopping).

[mikeweil]

So...predictions for the semis?

I'll have

Germany 2 - 0 Italy

and

Portugal 0 - 1 France.

Same here.

I wasn't surprised Brazil was knocked out of the tournament, just like the Argentinians (who played much better in comparison) they were much too sure of themselves. It's the real teamwork that wins the games here - and the real strong will to make it. The French are just beginning to get it. Those German players are so unpretentious, I wish them well - which I never before did!

Mike, funny you should say this! You know, there are tons of Germans living in Switzerland (in Zurich I think they're the largest or second largest foreign group), and many of them are spreading out and being very loud and more or less naturally take more place for themselves than they leave for others... (sorry, it's no cliché, just drive the tramway and you'll see/hear yourself) and during the world cup things get even worse, of course (swiss behaviour gets worse, too, obviously... soccer seems to be an enemy of manners anyway). Now granted the Swiss *never* are fans of the German team, but now following only losely some games, some statements of Klinsmann etc. and witnessing the new and totally sympathic spirit of that team, I indeed wish them luck, too. The problem of the arrogance of many of the fans remains, of course, and I don't with anything to the fans, but the team looks indeed like they're very unpretentious.

And on the Frings-thing: isn't it totally ridiculous that based upon out-of-focus tv images where you cannot judge on distance (to me, the fist of Frings looks like it's at least 20 or 30 cm in front - or to the left - of the Argentinian's face) they are giving this pentalty? These images look like a make-believe hitting scene of a Laurel & Hardy kind of film... best someone makes sure FIFA gets rid fast of that corrupt swiss guy heading them! (But I guess there are 20 of the same making in the queue behind him, waiting to replace him if he goes...)

I made the same observations here - fortunately, the spirit of the team and the fans are two pairs of shoes. If Germany gets the championship, this country will be going overboard in a week-long celebration party ....... I have to say, I didn't sense any aggressive type of nationalism, just exuberant fandom. Contary to some English fans who couldn't behave themselves. I can't help but feel that many are using this all to forget all the political/financial/social problems in this country for one month ....

The FIFA rules need some revision: Using TV recordings to judge problematical scenes, for one thing.

The scenes at the end of the Argentina-Germany game remind of what the Swiss experienced when they kicked Turkey out of the qualification - bad losers!