We have a pretty balanced team right now. I think that's why we can be a little more aggressive! Defense is solid, though a little shaky at times, but it's because we're still trying to figure out the perfect starting defense for the WC. Italy has one of the best defenses in the world, but they don't really have much going on in the offense and it's an aging team, i think they need a fresh start and a handful of new young player.
The German team is not too old, and you have a couple of experienced players, some of them even young players themselves (Podolski, Schweinsteiger, Lahm) who can help integrate the new ones. The average age right now is 25! It's good to still have older players like Ballack, because you need experience to win the WC. And most importantly a leading figures and he can fulfill this role as the captain. He is getting old, though. Still a dangerous striker,world class header, and he has the ability to lead and coordinate the game, even though has never been a real No.10. I think South Africa will be his last Big Tournament. It's his last chance to actually WIN a a WC/EC and not just to get put up with the silver or bronze medal.
Midfield is strong and just gained some creativity with Özil, Trochowski, and Marin, who are still developing and all have great offense qualities! The offense alone is on an international level, but lacks some creativity, if you ask me. Podolski is good, but he's not a full blooded striker, coming more from the midfield. Klose is experiences and ALWAYS good for a goal, i do have my doubts about Gomez, though, i don't like his style, he comes across too static and he needs hella chances to make a goal. I wish we would have some dribbling striker for once, but that shit is not really a common German trait :/ althoug most of our strikers have foreign roots anyways.
It's good to know we got some raw diamonds coming up, too. Our youth teams have been beasting lately, U19 won the European Championship last year, the U21 won it this year and so did the U17! Our U20 was on its way to this years WC finale, but they lost against Brazil in a close eight final match up. Future for German Football looks quite bright right now *knocks on wood*
Fuck i can't wait for the World Cup! By far the greatest sports event in the world!! And i agree, 94 was a perfect WC, not for Germany, but overall just full of tension and great games. 2002 kinda sucked, even though Germany took 2nd, 2006 was awesome again, some memorable moments, just remember Zidane!! I hope next years is gonna be crazy!!
