Germany vs Portugal preview
Posted on | July 8, 2006 | No Comments
The third place game between Germany and Portugal is much more than a battle between two nations –Its a battle between an attack minded Jurgen Klinsmann and a defensive minded Luis Felipe Scolari.It will also determine which nation goes into the history books and which nation gets classified as ‘also rans ‘ who will be forgotten after some time.
Germany have a very young side with the likes of Schweinstieger,Odonkor,Podolski and Lahm barely into their 20′s.They are torch bearers for the next generation and will be in their prime when the Germans step into the land of the Proteas for the next edition in 2010.The Germans will for now have their mind fixed on the game against the Portuguese.They have some injury problems for this one with Michael Ballack and Per Mertesacker out due to knee and heel injuries respectively.That means that Torsten Frings who missed the semifinal against Italy thanks to his involvement in the post match fracas against the Albicelestes, will partner Sebastian Kehl in the middle of the park.Chelsea defender Robert Huth will come into defence as a replacement for Mertesacker.With Miroslav Klose,the tournament’s leading goal scorer so far with 5 goals struggling with a calf injury,Mike Hanke or Oliver Neuville might well see themselves paired with Lukas Podolski upfront.Klinsmann might also give a game to Oliver Kahn,after Jens Lehmann has said he is willing to step down for a game. This game could well be Kahn’s last game for Germany at the 4 year extravaganza and he will be keen to give it his all.
Portugal have surprised all and sundry by reaching this stage,beating fancied teams like England and Holland on the way.The ill tempered game against the Netherlands and diving by the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo have been the black spots on an otherwise pretty decent WC for them.The Portuguese too have injury worries as defenders Ricardo Carvalho and Miguel and out of this encounter. That means Paulo Ferreira and Marco Caniera may get a look in.The Portuguese strength is in their midfield and that is where the Germans will be a little short on experience without Ballack.The Portuguese however have struggled to impress infront of goal,with Pauleta,Nuno Gomes and Helder Postiga not really making testing the keepers .You can say that Gomes and Postiga have been restricted to roles as substitutes but Pauleta cannot be excused.He does look a bit lost playing alone upfront,but more has to be expected from a man who is his nation’s highest goal scorer.
Verdict : Both the teams want to win this badly.They have nothing to lose and all to gain.The German fans will badly want this third place after a dramatic exit to the Azzuri in the semifinals .Portugal on the other hand will want to win this for their inspirational skipper,Luis Figo who will hang up his boots after this one .I see an action packed game with lots of opportunities created.I see the Germans winning this one though
Related posts:
- Germany vs Portugal preview
- Germany vs Italy
- Germany vs Croatia preview
- Germany vs Liechtenstein preview- WC qualifier
- Germany vs England preview