Asim wrote:
The biggest surprise about Germany/Argentina is that, under Maradona, Argentina actually looked like a competent team for a change. Having seen a few of their qualifiers they played like a bunch of individuals with no idea what they were supposed to be doing as a whole, if last night wasn't a one off and they continue to build into a better unit for the tournament then they have every chance of doing well.
On the other hand Germany were disappointing, they didn't look like a team at all. I'm not sure if they were experimenting but there were a few players I wasn't familiar with and they didn't impress. Then again we all know that they are always a different proposition when it comes to the actual tournament.
Argentina looked surprisingly solid and coherent for a Maradona coached side didn't they?
I think there was an element of experimenting by the Germans. The midfield was maybe too offensively positioned, with Schweinsteiger (although I'm aware he's playing this role with Bayern, I personally prefer him on the flank) starting in the middle with Ballack. Özil has been struggling with form since Christmas when the speculation started to intensify about his future. Hopefully he can sort his head out and concentrate on his football instead of a move to Madrid / Arsenal / Italy before the end of the season and get some form back, because on his day he's a cracking little player.
A possible concern for Germany is, like with England, the goalkeeping position. Adler didn't look too convincing - maybe it was just nerves and a bit too much eagerness and wanting to impress. Löw had made it clear he's his number 1 and will keep the faith with him, so hopefully his confidence hasn't been knocked too badly. Despite what the pundits said, he wasn't
totally to blame for the Argentina goal, and he's still relatively young and learning. Apart from the goal with Mertesacker caught napping, the defence is looking pretty strong though.
The strikeforce is another problem at the minute though IMO. Podolski hasn't scored for months, Klose is getting limited game time at Bayern, and Gomes has never really impressed me at international level. Hoping Podolski and Klose can hit some form before the end of the year - we all know that they're class on the international stage.
It surprises me the backlash that the England team got. 3-1 winners at home to the African champions. Germany lost at home, barely created a chance, and it was generally a very unspectacular and boring game. Yet, everybody here seems realtively calm, and understands it was just a friendly, and that they'll get it right before the WC. Come on England fans cheer up - and keep the faith FFS!!
