Actually, it's not really funny. Everybody living in Germany knows that our society looks like this. The team represents today's Germany. When I went out on the street today after our win and drove around with the car, I saw little black children with Germany flags, Mothers with headscarves and painted German flags on their face among the "stereotype" Germans. It's normal.
Germany is the new "France"!!!!! And I mean the multicultural/multiracial France that won the WC 98 with Zidane, Thuran, Lizarazu, Vieira, etc.
And all the fans are praying that it doesn't turn into today's France. But if this team is France 98 they still got a few good runs in them before the self-destruct button is hit and all the escape pods are jettisoned before anyone gets on them
This was asked to be put to rest a while ago. These players are German why some won't accept that is beyond me. This is part of the world we live in and I find it to be a good thing so let's let it go once and for all.
Well can't really say much, we accepted the risks and planned going on attack against an attacking team, the early goal was a bitch in that sense because it allowed Germany to play on counter, and they do it well when they have to, opening the sheet for us has been very difficult for us in the World Cup and ultimately the second goal killed any morale left. We were outplayed, though i guess the 2-0 would've been the fair result, but nevermind, better luck in 4 years.
It was the first time that Argentina gave up a lead in this championship. And Maradona could not deal with the situation very well.
Oh I agree. It just each time there is a thread about German NT, it revert back to their players' origins. Its a bit annoying
? Actually the reality football is a cruel game. The reality is we were ranked #1 in the world at one time, have made it to Copa America finals, won Olympics with the team even if not Fifa sactioned, made it to Confederation Cup Finals, Won Confederation Cup Finals, and a Copa America since we're going back to the early 90's. More than what Uruguay, Germany have done. In the World Cup, we made it out of the quarters three times, round of 16 once, and were the best team in 2006 in terms of dynamic and excellent team football, only to grace out on penalties. So going by your logic on how you laid the past down and how you laid the foundation down of 'what's acceptable' to be 'top dog', Uruguay doesn't come close in comparison. The Germans have a 1990 World Cup (which was awarded on a suspicious penalty kick), the 1996 Euro's and made it to one another final. Fore the most part tough, for over a decade before 2006, they really didn't do much. I guess Uruguay making it to the semi final since 1970 is a testament to their greatness ? We've dominated Mexico in the last 5 or 4 matches. I assume by your logic, we're closer to Mexico then?
Germany never failed to qualify for a WC - EVER Won the final 3 times reached the final a total of 7 times placed 3rd an additional three tmes made the quarter finals 14 times Qualified for the Euros 10 times won it 3 times runners up another 3 times... No, you now, you are right. You are a super power - Germany is more like Ecuador.
Like I said going by his logic and we'll use it again. Yet you still only have 3 world cups, one more than Argentina one which you were awarded a dubious call to win it on a PK. We have 14 Copa Americas. I don't really understand what's the point of all this comparison. Argentina and every team that participates are good. Spain haven't won anything compared to anyone and they're considered top class with Germany and Brazil. And I think the bold makes the best debate, which is why I'm bailing out of this conversation that happens after every tournament is over.
He was just adding insult to injury, but a lousy coach can take an amazing pool of talent and turn it into a lousy team. I'm not close to what happened with France, but I suspect that this is what happened to them. I think that the jury is back with the verdict on Maradona. As a player, the best of his era. As a coach....not very good.
Germany: Runner up - Euro 1992 Champions - Euro 1996 Runner up - Euro 2008 Third Place - Confederations Cup 2005 For the record, I'm not saying Uruguay or Germany are getting better, I'm saying that Argentina's form has dipped over the years (even in Copa America, the last time Argentina won it was all the way back in 1993). Anyone would be stupid to say anything on their track record in the Olympics (the fact that they go professional so young and are sold to European teams by the time they are 20 gives them an advantage over most teams). The whole point is, when competing against the rest of the world in the most important futbol event in the planet, they have been underachieving for a generation, and they are starting to look like their next door neighbor (with the only difference that Argentina does make it to the World Cup every time while Uruguay does not). A different way to put it, if you dislike comparing with other teams... Argentina is returning to the form it had prior to 1978: great regional team with several successes in regional play, but underachievers in the World Cup.
Why would anyone be stupid for using a Olymics gold medal victory where some of the best players play, or the U20 FIFA competition. They're just as relevant. The proof is in the pudding that Argentina performs. BUT: I agree with your point, the players who have been sworn to take the mantle have underperformed for more than at generation at the senior level, but things are cyclical. Through pain, comes resurgence.