@JoeB91- Brazil, Holland and Argentina all over-performed at the world cup imo. I just think Germany and their players have world cup hangover (the type that's exclusive of international games if you catch my drift...) and although everyone is hoping they'll stay this bad, I think come the tournament proper (there's no way Germany wont qualify from this group), with Schweinsteiger, an on-form Oezil (hope more than expectation for Arsenal's sake) and a genuine striker rather than this false 9 rubbish, they'll be genuinely the best in the world. I also think it would be better for every European team if qualifying for the next major tournament didn't start until the calendar year after the last major tournament was held. It would give international players a break (psychologically important for those who have just won a big tournament) and would be a good reason to drop friendlies.
@Sinaj- Yeah I can't believe he was let go by Bayern. Many ex-players have said this about Guardiola, he likes and dislikes people and once his mind is made up, no amount of good play will change his mind even if they are the 2nd most important player in the team.
This is ridiculous. There is absolutely no team chemistry at the front. Everyone seems to be running around with out a head. We also need Schweinsteiger. There is no one to sit in between the two defenders and to clean things up.
@maxvroden- Schweinsteiger does a lot more than just the donkey work. He is probably the most under-rated midfielder in the world. You can see the difference at both Germany and Bayern when he doesn't play. There is minimal organisation, poor link-up play between defence and attack, no talismanic figure to look to if it's not going to plan. He would be the first name down on my team sheet if I were German boss. However, if/when Schweinsteiger is injured, there are many better sitting midfielders in Germany than Ginter. I think he could be a world class central defender but is poor in midfield. Granted, none of them were in the squad today but a team as deep as Germany do not need to rely on a central defender plugging a hole, that's what England do!
If you did any research (read the Irish Times or Independent) before writing this report you would have seen Quotes from O'Neill and Keane explicitly stating that the XI against Germany will be quite different. Hoolahan will be dropped in favour of a more industrious midfielder (Quinn), with a switch to a 4-5-1 likely. Long will be up front; the lone role requiring a much higher level of intensity than a poaching Keane can deliver, with the latter likely to make an appearance in a tight game late on.
Long should be starting over Keane in a game like this..
hahahaha best in the world my arse, just that every other team was appalling at the world cup
@JoeB91- Brazil, Holland and Argentina all over-performed at the world cup imo. I just think Germany and their players have world cup hangover (the type that's exclusive of international games if you catch my drift...) and although everyone is hoping they'll stay this bad, I think come the tournament proper (there's no way Germany wont qualify from this group), with Schweinsteiger, an on-form Oezil (hope more than expectation for Arsenal's sake) and a genuine striker rather than this false 9 rubbish, they'll be genuinely the best in the world. I also think it would be better for every European team if qualifying for the next major tournament didn't start until the calendar year after the last major tournament was held. It would give international players a break (psychologically important for those who have just won a big tournament) and would be a good reason to drop friendlies.
Kroos the best
@Sinaj- Yeah I can't believe he was let go by Bayern. Many ex-players have said this about Guardiola, he likes and dislikes people and once his mind is made up, no amount of good play will change his mind even if they are the 2nd most important player in the team.
This is ridiculous. There is absolutely no team chemistry at the front. Everyone seems to be running around with out a head. We also need Schweinsteiger. There is no one to sit in between the two defenders and to clean things up.
@maxvroden- Schweinsteiger does a lot more than just the donkey work. He is probably the most under-rated midfielder in the world. You can see the difference at both Germany and Bayern when he doesn't play. There is minimal organisation, poor link-up play between defence and attack, no talismanic figure to look to if it's not going to plan. He would be the first name down on my team sheet if I were German boss. However, if/when Schweinsteiger is injured, there are many better sitting midfielders in Germany than Ginter. I think he could be a world class central defender but is poor in midfield. Granted, none of them were in the squad today but a team as deep as Germany do not need to rely on a central defender plugging a hole, that's what England do!
COYBIG
Draxler is injured.
@Existenzrippchen. No, he is in top condition ...
@neumi17 Apologies. German media is so unreliable nowadays...
There is NO WAY Podolski will make it in the starting lineup. The match takes place on Schalke and obviously Draxler will start on the left...
If you did any research (read the Irish Times or Independent) before writing this report you would have seen Quotes from O'Neill and Keane explicitly stating that the XI against Germany will be quite different. Hoolahan will be dropped in favour of a more industrious midfielder (Quinn), with a switch to a 4-5-1 likely. Long will be up front; the lone role requiring a much higher level of intensity than a poaching Keane can deliver, with the latter likely to make an appearance in a tight game late on.