Germany - It¡¯s time for a world title think Germans
( 2003-09-17 21:45) (FifaWorldCup.com)
Long a dominant force in
European competition, Germany have never quite made a breakthrough on the world
stage, despite coming close. A second place finish at the FIFA Women¡¯s World Cup
Sweden 1995 and a bronze medal at the Olympic Football Tournament Sydney 2000 do
not live up to the promise shown by the five-time European champions. However,
another dominating run through qualifying - six victories in six matches, with a
+29 goal differential - has Germany once again being counted among the
favourites for USA 2003.
Typically German in their organisation and
determination, the Frauen-Nationalteam are difficult for even the most
accomplished teams in the world to breakdown, and in Birgit Prinz they have one
of the most complete strikers in women¡¯s football. With almost 50 international
goals in just twice as many matches, she is the player that other teams will
look to stop first and foremost. The 26-year old finished with the second most
votes, behind Mia Hamm, for FIFA World Women¡¯s Player of the Year in
2002.
Sometimes Prinz plays as the lone striker in a 4-5-1, though
promising youngster Martina M¨¹ller and the dangerous Inka Grings sometimes join
her in a 4-4-2. Behind Prinz, the midfield is bossed by the experienced Bettina
Wiegmann, who can both pull strings and score herself. She has nearly 150 caps,
scoring in one out of three matches. Maren Meinert, Renate Lingor and Pia
Wunderlich also offer scoring options from midfield.
The Germans are in
something of a transition, trying to bring young players into the team as
quickly as possible. As Norway coach Age Steen says, ¡°I think Germany were
stronger a few years ago, at the 2001 European Championships, for instance.
They¡¯ve lost some important players, especially at the back. But, they have
Birgit Prinz, who always makes a difference.¡±
The side certainly has some
young talent at its disposal, as the German U-19s cruised unbeaten through the
European Championships and finished 3rd at the inaugural FIFA U-19 World
Championships in Canada last year. Young defenders have been asked to step in
around the more experienced Sandra Minnert in the middle. Behind them, Silke
Rottenberg is the first choice ¡®keeper, though Nadine Angerer is a high quality
back-up.
In the oft-unbalanced world of women¡¯s football, Germany will
not be intimidated by anybody. They have an even record against China over 16
matches and have traditionally played Norway and Sweden very well. The only team
that appears to have their number is the United States, who have beaten them 12
times in 17 matches.
Swedish co-captain Malin M?strom sums up the
Germans well, ¡°(They) are very strong and organised and they have a lot of
individually skilled players. It is never easy to play against
them.¡±
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