Re: The Football Topic
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Germany; not sure if it was just the fans or the team as well, but it really looked as if they had not bothered to look at Italy's game with England and had assumed their place in the final was a done deal... - maybe now the announcement about Loew coming to White Hart Lane will be made....
Not sure if Loew is really ready for the English style of game yet. I watched his interviews afterwards and although the German media were critical of his body language in them I thought he explained himself well enough.
In my pre-match pick I had Gomez, but would have had Reus from the beginning alongside him. So I didn't see too much wrong with the selection as such. It should have been a good match up.
But yes, the failure to contain Pirla was their undoing. To be fair to Germany, they like to play their own game and not design a strategy around containing the other team. That sort of arrogance has served them well. But yesterday it didn't. Their normal fluidity wasn't there. I think if Germany had got the first goal it would have been a different game altogether albeit with the same result!
As it was Balotelli's 2 strikes rocked them completely and they never recovered. It got to the German fans too. Girls in tears after 36 minutes! Get a grip!
I hope Loew stays on, but the media (as ever) is beginning to question his ability, especially when he has the (supposedly) 'Golden Generation' of stars to pick from.
I think though one thing tends to get overlooked. Italy are far better than anybody thought, with real steel and a sense of purpose about them. It puts into at least some perspective England's efforts in containing them for 120 minutes.
I shall be hoping for an Italian win at any rate.
As for Loew at White Hart Lane...........I think he would be a fool. He has a good reputation overall. Why put it at risk there? There would be no support, no loyalty, no chance. I see it as lose/lose for him.
He can afford to wait. If Bayern start the season slowly Juup Heynkes will be gone and his place would be free.............