Euro 2008 Team Preview: Germany

michael ballack euro 2008 germany FOOTBALL – Euro 2008 Team Preview – GERMANY
4/1 with William Hill to win Euro 2008.

4/6 with William Hill to win Qualifying Group B (includes Croatia, Poland and Austria).

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National Coach

Joachim Low was assistant manager to Jurgen Klinsmann at World Cup 2006. However, authorities on the game have acknowledged that Low provided the tactical impetus behind the manager’s motivational capabilities. Low has employed eager, aggressive tactics, producing a proficient attacking unit. He should be recognised as one of Europe’s more upbeat coaches.

European Championships History

The German national side, European Champions in 1972, 1980 and 1996, runners up in 1976 and 1992 and semi-finalists in 1988, has had its reputation tarnished with first round exits in 2000 and 2004. The current team is still some way behind the "vintage" side of twelve years ago, but will doubtless be seeking to maintain the impetus developed at home, in finishing 3rd in the 2006 World Cup, and again make a realistic assault on the title.

Road to Euro 2008

The low point of Germany’s qualification campaign was a 3-0 home loss to eventual group winners, the Czech Republic but they eased home in second, ten points ahead of third placed Republic of Ireland (who they failed to beat either home or away). "Goal fests" against the group "minnows" Cyprus and San Marino, coupled with a typically tight defence were the notable points of a workmanlike qualification effort.

Key Players

Though not as successful since moving to Chelsea as at Bayern Munich, German skipper Michael Ballack has recently started to find some form and when up to speed, he is as devastating a midfield player as there is in the game. Good on the ball and in the air, he creates and scores goals at will. The Chelsea midfielder played some of the best football of his career on the road to the Champions League final (lost in penalty shoot-out), having spent 2007 dogged by a persistent ankle injury.
Miroslav Klose needs to replicate this at Euro 2008 to really push Germany into contention. A new lease of life at Bayern Munich has helped his game and he should be in fine form for a tilt at possibly the last tournament of his international career. Klose, top-scorer at the last World Cup, was in devastating form for Bayern slotting 20 goals so far in all competitions. He will celebrate his 30th birthday the day after Germany’s opening game against his native country of Poland and with a poacher’s instinct for goal, there is a fair chance he will get on the score sheet in Klagenfurt, Austria.
Alongside him, Germany’s footballer of the year in 2007 Mario Gomez, has muscled Schalke 04′s Kevin Kuranyi out of the picture and is set to become one of the stars of the tournament. At 22, he is a tremendously strong forward and despite only making his debut in February 2007, he has already scored six goals in nine appearances for his country.

UEFA European Championships Record

1960 – Did Not Enter

1964 – Did Not Enter

1968 – Did not qualify

1972 – Champions

1976 – Runners-up

1980 – Champions

1984 – Round 1

1988 – Semi-finals

1992 – Runners-up

1996 – Champions

2000 – Round 1

2004 – Round 1

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    • Written by Sarah Connolly · Filed Under Euro 2008, Football 

    Comments

    One Response to “Euro 2008 Team Preview: Germany”

    1. Deesha on May 28th, 2008 12:54 pm

      I think that with a captain like Michael Ballack, Germany has great chances, provided they grab this chances. If Michael repeats and improves his performance like in the Champions League final against Manchester United, then , Germany has no fear for with such a player, the team can win even the most crucial games. Furthermore, the other players have great potential too especially the new ones as they showed great talent during the world cup 2 years ago. GO GO GERMANY, WIN THIS TROPHY!

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