We all can keep commenting, analysing and criticising, but they always come good in the end. The World Cup is like a magical elixir for the German national team, and after all of the pre-match discussion and debate Jogi and
Back to Basics
For many, the quarter-final against France at the famous Estádio do Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro would be the first in a number of defining moments for Nationaltrainer Joachim Löw. The coach had been targeted heavily by the press for
Theories, Tactics, Tittle-tattle…
Welcome to the latest World Cup vlog, covering everything from the final group match against the United States to a preview of the quarter-final against France. The Algeria game and team tactics are discussed at length, as I try my
Rio, the flu et Les Bleus
After being stretched to the limit in disposing of Algeria in the round of sixteen, the German roadshow moves onto Rio’s famous Estádio Maracanã, and a potentially mouth-watering meeting with another old rival, France. Since their opening 4-0 thrashing of
Germany v Algeria: Match Analysis and Player Ratings
Germany’s World Cup goes on, but their second phase encounter with Algeria would produce yet another dramatic chapter in what has so far been an incredible tournament – arguably the best for a long time, possibly since Mexico 1986. Expected
Pandemonium and Panic in Porto Alegre
Having safely negotiated what had been dubbed the “Group of Death”, Joachim Löw’s German side now meet Algeria, runners-up behind Belgium in a group that would also include Russia and South Korea. It is a repeat of the infamous meeting
Selection Shenanigans: Jogi’s Dilemma
I had promised to just watch every match as it comes and not get too involved in the ongoing discussions regarding the selection choices and tactical decisions being made by Nationaltrainer Jogi Löw, but as the tournament enters the knockout
The Ghosts of Gijón
A few hours after the 1-0 win over the United States in their final group game, Germany’s opponents in the second phase would be determined. Having fallen behind to an early goal in their final game against Russia, Algeria would
Germany v United States: Match Analysis and Player Ratings
Having been brought back down to earth by Ghana in their second match, Joachim Löw’s side would knuckle down and turn out a highly professional performance in their final group game against the United States in Recife. With the Americans
Order Restored in Rainy Recife
It is a very wet afternoon on Brazil’s north-eastern coast, with the city of Recife being hit by a massive rainstorm that has brought widespread flooding to the area. Reports and images coming in before the match have shown flooded
Back to the Classroom
It happens nearly every time we watch a major international tournament. The first four group games are over, the final two remain, and we all run away back to the classroom and a subject many of us hated – numbers,
A lucky point, defensive frailties, and the Marvellous Miroslav Klose
We’re well into the group stage of the World Cup now, and already we have had a number of shocks. Holders Spain and former champions England are both already out, and Costa Rica have beaten Italy, a feat no German
