tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3099363488280675328.post3096529100170732715..comments2023-10-06T04:49:05.127-04:00Comments on KrautBlog: FIFA World Cup 2010Ulrichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02086202853174403008noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3099363488280675328.post-13992287813517217572010-07-12T09:47:13.259-04:002010-07-12T09:47:13.259-04:00@Georg: I agree with you about the Spain/Germany s...@Georg: I agree with you about the Spain/Germany semi in that Spain was the better team. I and many other Germans are not disappointed by the loss, but by the way it happened: The Germans couldn't execute their counter-attacks with the daring and precision they exhibited in previous matches--they appeared timid and too much in awe of their opponents--I think their youth and lack of experience finally caught up with them. [The absence of Müller may have been another factor.] Anyway, yes, this team shows great promise--the match against Uruguay demonstrated that yet again.<br /><br />Re. Führungsspieler: This is a player who has the <i>prima facie</i> experience and standing with his teammates to act as the "extended arm of the coach"; i.e. to take matters into his own hands when things do not go or someone doesn't perform as expected; someone who has a clear idea of how the game is/should be progressing and directs his teammates accordingly; someone who talks to them constantly, keeps them focused, and, most importantly, is always ready to receive the ball and do something creative with it. The Germans were worried that because of the absence of Ballack, the youth of the team, and the fact that they hadn't really played together before, let alone in high pressure situations, no Führungsspieler would emerge when needed. To everybody's delight, Schweinsteiger stepped into this role and filled it splendidly--at least that's what the Germans, including me, think. The other side of the coin: It created a debate about the future role of Ballack--is there still a place for him, or should the focus be on younger players?<br /><br />@mac: We were so close to a Netherlands/Germany final, much closer than I had initially thought possible! Let's look forward to the European Cup in two years and hope that Spain, the Netherlands, and Germany all will qualify and meet again...I would like to see how a matured German side would perform against either of the other two, preferably again in a semifinal or final.Ulrichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02086202853174403008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3099363488280675328.post-44394250797835966592010-07-11T07:29:50.643-04:002010-07-11T07:29:50.643-04:00I'm back from a wonderful 2-day sailing trip i...I'm back from a wonderful 2-day sailing trip in Croatia--from Pula in Istria to the island of Cres and back. I tried to announce my brief absence from this blog before I left, but the Internet connection went down that morning and I couldn't post. Both I and the IN are back... I will read the comments I missed and post some thoughts of my own soon. This is just to assure everyone that I survived Germany's loss against Spain more or less unharmed.<br /><br />I'm really looking forward to tonight's match and hope it will be the treat the Germany/Spain match wasn't. Needless to say, I will root for mac's team!Ulrichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02086202853174403008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3099363488280675328.post-58531477677714780352010-07-11T06:33:55.932-04:002010-07-11T06:33:55.932-04:00I'm in sweltering Holland getting ready for th...I'm in sweltering Holland getting ready for the match this evening! People are decorating their houses and streets! I'm on my way to buy some orange flowers for my hostess this evening!<br /><br />We watched last night's match and were very happy for Germany!machttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06794371617847975218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3099363488280675328.post-70139543202788846922010-07-07T18:41:29.691-04:002010-07-07T18:41:29.691-04:00I feel (sincerely) sorry for the German team becau...I feel (sincerely) sorry for the German team because they had a fantastic tournament and couldn't quite deliver today. Of course this was also because Spain was the better team today. The game reminded me a little bit of the Euro finals 2 years ago, which also ended 1-0 but the result didn't reflect how uneven the match was.<br /><br />@Ulrich: the German commentators have been talking a lot about 'Führungsspieler' lately. Lahm and Schweinsteiger are examples. Seems like a new term and I don't quite understand what they exactly mean by it!Georghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04630497185658684680noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3099363488280675328.post-91464251560025581262010-07-07T12:50:22.922-04:002010-07-07T12:50:22.922-04:00It's blistering hot in NY, so it's a good ...It's blistering hot in NY, so it's a good time to watch an exciting soccer match in my cool apartment! Good luck to you!machttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06794371617847975218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3099363488280675328.post-58961564458788413832010-07-07T04:05:05.153-04:002010-07-07T04:05:05.153-04:00@Pedro: Thank you!
@mac: Congratulations! The Dut...@Pedro: Thank you!<br /><br />@mac: Congratulations! The Dutch have done their share. Let's see if the Germans will be able to follow suit.<br /><br />When I looked at the draw at the beginning of the tournament, with Argentina looming at the quarters and Spain at the semis for the Germans, I was convinced that one of these would be the end for the too-young German team. But as I said before, I've upgraded my expectations somewhat and I'm giving them now at least a fighting chance. In any case, this will be a very interesting match tonight--it may turn on a handful of key scenes...Ulrichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02086202853174403008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3099363488280675328.post-74401624822731770712010-07-06T20:35:26.967-04:002010-07-06T20:35:26.967-04:00Can you believe this! I hope Germany wins as well,...Can you believe this! I hope Germany wins as well, tomorrow. I am so looking forward to seeing the final with friends and family in Holland.....machttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06794371617847975218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3099363488280675328.post-32794723610977645602010-07-05T07:25:17.858-04:002010-07-05T07:25:17.858-04:00Congratulations for the German Victory! 4-0 agains...Congratulations for the German Victory! 4-0 against Argentina : What a score!<br /><br />Unfortunately Portugal is out of the competition.<br /><br />Although Spain was a strong opponent, I believe with some more effort they could have made it. Quite honestly I believe Portugal could have won with more effort and above all, self-confidence. It lacked a certain will of winning, unfortunately....<br /><br />Good luck for the match against Spain. I will be supporting Germany (of course...:)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08149760610833780270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3099363488280675328.post-15675574193070948992010-07-05T04:11:17.396-04:002010-07-05T04:11:17.396-04:00@Georg: One of the ingredients of the success of t...@Georg: One of the ingredients of the success of the German team is meticulous preparation, based on scouting reports. The German media were shocked (delighted, too!!) when the Argentinian goalie confessed a few days before the match that he didn't know any German player by name--this kind of thing would be unthinkable in the German camp. And when Maradonna (the "gelled Rumpelstiltzkin" according to some media here) claimed afterwards that they had prepared meticulously for the German, I've no idea what he was talking about.<br /><br />Still, I remember the Euro-Cup final 2008 against Spain too well to be in any way sanguine about the up-coming semi-final against them. I did upgrade my expectations a little, though--from "we have no chance" to "we may win". One thing we can be sure of: The Spaniards will not underestimate the Germans.<br /><br /> As to public viewing, I have never been to one. Compared to my brother's living room and HD TV, it looks, to me, like a very uncomfortable way of watching a game. I guess many people go there to bond with like-minded fans, but I don't feel that need.Ulrichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02086202853174403008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3099363488280675328.post-84855752614354491732010-07-04T19:27:17.616-04:002010-07-04T19:27:17.616-04:00Congratulations Germany! Now they should win it. I...Congratulations Germany! Now they should win it. I must admit that the Netherlands are traditionally my favourite team. The problem is that the Bayern block knows all of Robben's tricks... Spain was disappointing but they managed to muddle through like future champions. Torres is completely out of shape and I don't understand why the Spanish coach doesn't bench him?!<br /><br />It's fascinating how Loew managed to form this team. He must be a great motivator and tactician. Messi and his team mates had defeat written all over them. You could sense that they would not recover from Mueller's early goal.<br /><br />@Ulrich: your Unschuldslamm hits the nail on the head. The brutality of some fouls has been shocking. BTW, what is your opinion on the German version of 'Public viewing'?Georghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04630497185658684680noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3099363488280675328.post-4511934290463338372010-07-04T05:17:40.957-04:002010-07-04T05:17:40.957-04:00Thank you!
The Germans are in a "pinch-me&qu...Thank you!<br /><br />The Germans are in a "pinch-me" mood. Even if they considered it possible that their untried and inexperienced team would get this far, they never imagined that it would do it in such an exciting fashion. The difference with the Argentinians: They said "we WILL win", while the Germans said "we CAN win".<br /><br />The Spaniards will be a different kettle of fish on Wednesday, though--for one, they will respect the Germans and refrain from bragging beforehand. But for the first time, I'm considering a Netherlands-Germany final a realistic possibility instead of a pipe dream.Ulrichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02086202853174403008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3099363488280675328.post-50872590876404809282010-07-03T18:53:08.572-04:002010-07-03T18:53:08.572-04:00Congratulations! Karsten and Charlie are still wat...Congratulations! Karsten and Charlie are still watching it although they have figured out from my good mood that Germany won!<br />Charlie is reaaaaally on their side, his mother was German, after all. It must be so much fun to be in Germany today; yesterday the Amsterdammers jumped into the canals after Oranje won!machttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06794371617847975218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3099363488280675328.post-59577353865999779902010-07-02T20:53:06.456-04:002010-07-02T20:53:06.456-04:00You can never be sure of anything in soccer, Ulric...You can never be sure of anything in soccer, Ulrich! I'm rooting for Germany tomorrow, those young guys have nothing to lose!<br />I'll be in Holland as from Thursday, so I will see the Saturday and Monday games. It would be great if you were right.....machttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06794371617847975218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3099363488280675328.post-25096138661100850262010-07-02T11:54:30.540-04:002010-07-02T11:54:30.540-04:00...and you had it!!!!! Congratulations!!!! And the......and you had it!!!!! Congratulations!!!! And the semi-final in that bracket will be easier, I think. So, we can safely expect the Netherlands in the final.Ulrichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02086202853174403008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3099363488280675328.post-46866567142192032742010-07-02T07:05:50.320-04:002010-07-02T07:05:50.320-04:00Thank God three soccer-free days have come to an e...Thank God three soccer-free days have come to an end!<br /><br />@mac: Good luck for your team today!Ulrichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02086202853174403008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3099363488280675328.post-6648358932305155972010-06-30T22:26:44.689-04:002010-06-30T22:26:44.689-04:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3099363488280675328.post-8542339160156228452010-06-30T06:14:01.149-04:002010-06-30T06:14:01.149-04:00A look at the quarterfinal match-ups:
Netherlands-...A look at the quarterfinal match-ups:<br />Netherlands-Brazil; Uruguay-Ghana; Argentina-Germany; Paraguay-Spain.<br /><br />Some observations: The teams that won their group survived the round of 16 except for the USA; i.e. group C (with England and the US) sent no team to the quarters, and group D (with Germany and Ghana) sent 2--it proved a much stronger group than the Germans initially thought.<br /><br />3 of the 4 matches pit a European against a S. American team--we'll see if the dominance of S. America so far will continue (3 teams are still alive from Europe and S. America alike, but Europe started with 13 and S. America with 5!)Ulrichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02086202853174403008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3099363488280675328.post-75663522720203870632010-06-29T04:12:44.105-04:002010-06-29T04:12:44.105-04:00@mac: I think it was the same ref. who made hash o...@mac: I think it was the same ref. who made hash of the Germany/Serbia match--congratulations, anyway!<br /><br />I'm really looking forward to the Netherlands/Brazil game. It seems to me that neither side has been forced, so far, to play their best--this is the occasion to really show what they're made of...Ulrichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02086202853174403008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3099363488280675328.post-28932917231683563422010-06-28T12:21:37.416-04:002010-06-28T12:21:37.416-04:00I'm wearing orange today, Ulrich, and it helpe...I'm wearing orange today, Ulrich, and it helped. Very poor ref, though. This one even has a bad reputation, I wonder why Spain sent him!machttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06794371617847975218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3099363488280675328.post-42617093416556714572010-06-28T07:28:04.951-04:002010-06-28T07:28:04.951-04:00@Pedro: Good luck tomorrow! If Germany survives th...@Pedro: Good luck tomorrow! If Germany survives the quarterfinal (big if!), they may meet Portugal in the semis!!<br /><br />To continue with a theme I started in earlier comments: The word that has been used frequently in the German press in connection with the English team before yesterday is <i>Selbstüberschätzung</i> (literally "self-over-estimation"), an inflated notion of one's worth or abilities--they declared themselves winners before the cup even started and their coach claimed "the Germans are afraid of us"--the Germans loved it. <br /><br />Apparently, even after yesterday's drubbing, old habits die hard: My favorite comment in one of the British blogs today is by someone who proves statistically that England was, in fact, the better team--more time of possession, more shots, more corners, fewer fouls--that sort of thing...it's all very encouraging when I think of future match-ups between England and Germany.Ulrichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02086202853174403008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3099363488280675328.post-16150188922428933982010-06-28T07:07:42.449-04:002010-06-28T07:07:42.449-04:00Congratulations for the German team victory yester...Congratulations for the German team victory yesterday! Germany played very fast on the front.<br /><br />Tomorrow Portugal will play against Spain - The all time classic between neighbours. And from our side, there is hope!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08149760610833780270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3099363488280675328.post-716612414098746522010-06-27T14:35:31.767-04:002010-06-27T14:35:31.767-04:00@mac: Thx! Too bad we will not be able to watch th...@mac: Thx! Too bad we will not be able to watch the Netherlands/Germany final together!!!<br /><br />It's really fascinating--here's the coach of the English side declaring "the Germans are afraid of us", i.e. falling exactly into the same trap the Portuguese fell into two years ago by taking the pronouncements of the Germans at face value. Löw, on the other hand, prepared his team to overwhelm the English defense with counter attacks at lightning speed, while publicly complimenting the English...it worked. <br /><br />But I must also compliment the English players--they played fair to the end, and when I watched the interactions between them and the German players after the match, I saw no meanness--just mutual respect...<br />more tomorrow--I'm at the end of a bottle of red wine.Ulrichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02086202853174403008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3099363488280675328.post-50921455818782779062010-06-27T12:33:16.843-04:002010-06-27T12:33:16.843-04:00Congratulations, Ulrich and friends and family!! W...Congratulations, Ulrich and friends and family!! What an enjoyable match, and I was so happy that the Germans confirmed their stronger play after the bad call about the second English goal.<br />Hope you are celebrating this evening!machttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06794371617847975218noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3099363488280675328.post-38743976558742588982010-06-27T08:38:07.487-04:002010-06-27T08:38:07.487-04:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3099363488280675328.post-27121764660380600612010-06-26T09:41:31.954-04:002010-06-26T09:41:31.954-04:00@Georg: I couldn't watch any matches last nigh...@Georg: I couldn't watch any matches last night--had an invitation, and against expectations, my hosts did not have the TV on--there <b>are</b> Germans not bitten by the soccer bug. So, I didn't see the Swiss, but I did see the Danes against Japan on Thursday and was surprised that they did not make a stronger effort to win and thus advance to the next round--they join the Swiss in that sense, it seems.<br /><br />I appreciate your comment re. the upcoming England/Germany match. It's interesting to compare the differences in their respective pre-game statements: The English go out of their way to paint themselves into the we-have-everything-to-lose corner by predicting victory, while the Germans go out of their way to paint themselves into the we-have-nothing-to-lose corner by repeating endlessly how strong the English are. This is BTW the same strategy they employed before the semi-final against Portugal during the Euro Cup 2 years ago, when Portugal was the clear favorite, only to lose decisively against the Germans. We have to see if it works again...personally, I give them a 50-50 chance, less if Schweinsteiger cannot play. Should they win, they will face Argentina in the quarters in all likelihood, and then the odds will be the overwhelmingly against them, w/o false modesty.<br /><br />In any case, we should see more exciting matches now since it's "win or lose" for everybody.Ulrichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02086202853174403008noreply@blogger.com