Reversal of fortunes as Klinsmann eyes Italy redemption
Four months ago sections of the German media were calling for Jurgen Klinsmann’s head after a 4-1 destruction by Italy in Florence but that is all a distant memory as the two teams prepare to do battle on Tuesday for a place in the World Cup final.
Germany coach Klinsmann is now worshipped by the home supporters after guiding the nation into the semi-final and the newspapers are singing his praises loudly ahead of the Italy game in Dortmund.
A quarter-final win over Argentina, courtesy of a penalty shootout, had the fans celebrating like they had won the World Cup, but Klinsmann warned his players not to bask too much in the glory of the Argentina victory.
“You can never look back after a successful match but look towards the next big challenge,” Klinsmann said.
“We can only be content if we are world champions on Sunday. I will give everything to make that happen.
Three-time winners Italy stand in their way and Germany have an awful record against the Azzurri with just seven wins out of 28 meetings, with the last coming 11 years ago.
“Italy are one of the best teams in the world and that is why they are in the final four,” said Klinsmann.
“But we think if we play our own game we can beat them. We will go into the match on Tuesday with the feeling that we will beat them.”
With home support and confidence sky high after the Argentina triumph Germany are ready to take the next step and book their place in Sunday’s final.
“I can now wait for this match. The team wants to reach the final and we all sense that,” said captain Michael Ballack.
Ballack was part of the Germany team that lost 4-1 to Italy and also tasted a 4-1 defeat against AC Milan in the Champions League with former club Bayern Munich.
“We recently lost 4-1 against Italy and I lost 4-1 with Bayern Munich against AC Milan in Champions League. It seems we do not have any chance,” Ballack joked.
Many Germans feel it is a twist of fate that Klinsmann, who played for Italian giants Inter Milan between 1989 and 1992, and his Germany team have been paired with Italy, giving them the chance to avenge their painful Florence defeat and reach the final.
If they can do that Klinsmann, a World Cup winner with West Germany in 1990, would then have the chance to become only the third coach in history to win the World Cup as a player and manager.
Brazil’s Mario Zagallo and Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer have both managed that feat.
This time Germany, rather than Italy, have home advantage and are playing at Dortmund where they have never tasted defeat.
A record of 13 wins and one draw makes ominous reading for Italy.
“They beat us 4-1 last time but we know there are two different teams now,” said Borussia Dortmund defender Christoph Metzelder. “Our motivation is to reach the final not revenge.”
Five straight wins shows Germany are in fine shape but the physical demands of playing extra-time against Argentina could stretch the sinews to the limit.
Captain Michael Ballack and top scorer Miroslav Klose, with five goals to his name at these finals, both went down with cramp during the Argentina win but are expected to start against Italy.
Germany are also sweating over the eligibility of midfielder Torsten Frings who is being investigated by football’s governing body FIFA over an incident at the end of the Argentina match.
Television pictures apparently show Frings clashing with Argentinian striker Julio Cruz in the post match melee and if he is found guilty the Werder Bremen midfielder could be suspended for the semi-final. A decision will be made on Monday afternoon.
Source:Soccer News
Related posts:
- Klinsmann sees positives in opening victory
- Ballack foot fine says Klinsmann
- Italy will be afraid of Germany says Bierhoff
- Only World Cup will do says Klinsmann
- Germany have Italy score to settle says Frings
- Defeat is not entered my mind says Klinsmann
- Ballack criticises tactics of Klinsmann
- Ballack to walk yellow card tightrope
- Klinsmann given five weeks to decide future
- Klinsmann should stay says Ballack