German National Team ~ General Chat & Latest News

[Freddy Adu]

Match Information
Stadium: Fubball Arena Munchen
Attendance: 45,016
Match Time: 14:00 ET
Referee: Peter Rasmussen

[Freddy Adu]

Teams
Germany	Cyprus
1 Jens Lehmann	Antonis Georgallides 22
3 Arne Friedrich	Alexandros Garpozis 19
16 Philip Lahm	Lambros Lambrou 4
17 Per Mertesacker	Chrisou Paraskevas 31
21 Christoph Metzelder	Georgos Theodotou 2
27 Clemens Fritz	Efstathios Aloneftis 7
15 Thomas Hitzlsperger	Konstantinos Charalampidis 10
20 Lukas Podolski	Konstantinos Makridis 20
28 Piotr Trochowski	Yiannis Okkas 9
32 Mario Gomez	Marinos Satsias 17
11 Miroslav Klose	Michalis Konstantinou 11
Substitutes
23 Robert Enke	Michael Morphis 12
35 Gonzalo Castro	Marios Nicolau 34
24 Manuel Friedrich	Christos Theofilou 21
18 Tim Borowski	Elias Charalambous 3
34 Roberto Hilbert	Christakis Marangos 14
9 Mike Hanke	Chrysostomous Michail 13
10 Oliver Neuville	Yiasoumi Yiasoumis 18
Substitutions
T Borowski for P Trochowski (66)	M Nicolau for G Theodotou (27)
M Hanke for M Gomez (73)	C Theofilou for K Charalampidis (46)
R Hilbert for C Fritz (77)	Y Yiasoumis for M Konstantinou (68)
· Club Rosters: Germany | Cyprus

[Freddy Adu]

Germany 4-0 Cyprus: Germans chase Czechs

HANNOVER, November 17 (Euro 2008 Qualifying) - Germany maintained the pressure on the Czech Republic in the race for top spot in Group D courtesy of a 4-0 win over Cyprus.

Bayern Munich pair Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski were both on target either side of half time after Clemens Fritz had given Germany a second-minute lead.

Thomas Hitzlsperger then added a fourth in the 82nd minute as Germany claimed their eighth win in the group.

It took Germany on to 26 points - level with Czech Republic.

Germany were quick out of the blocks and celebrating their first goal after less than 120 seconds as Podolski's determination paid off, allowing him to cross the ball back from the goal line for Fritz's far-post header.

Klose then added a second after 20 minutes, accepting a pass from the selfless Fritz in a central position and firing comfortably into the goal from eight yards.

Germany were in control of the game and Podolski was their danger man, but despite his comfort in possession and ease at unlocking the Cypriot defence, he was not bagging the goals.

That changed eight minutes into the second half, though, when he was set up by his team mate Klose to score Germany's third.

Klose's low cross from the right was met just in front of the goalkeeper by Podolski, who deflected the ball in despite more than a hint of offside.

And the impressive Podolski turned provider again for the final goal in the 82nd minute.

He again made a determined run to the goal line and squared for Hitzlsperger, who had a simple tap-in to complete the scoring.

Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann was rarely called into action, but he kept his concentration to make an excellent reflex save five minutes from time to ensure a clean sheet.

ESPNsoccernet - Euro 2008 - Germany v Cyprus Report

[Freddy Adu]

German national team trainer Joachim Löw reserved special praise for Lukas Podolski after the Bayern Munich striker inspired Germany to a 4-0 win over Cyprus.

Podolski scored one himself and provided two assists as the Germans restored some much needed pride after losing 3-0 to the Czech Republic in October.

“All our goals were well worked. That Lukas was able to come from deep was known to us, and what he did tonight was pure class.

“He is a constant positive for us in the national team” Joachim Löw said after the match.

Poldi continued his fantastic form for the national team, which stands in contrast to his club form. The Bayern forward now has 25 goals in 44 games for Germany.

“I always try to do my best in every game. Tonight was a small step forward, but I have to keep working, then things will continue to click like it did tonight” he said.

[Freddy Adu]

Podolski On Form As Germany Rout Cyprus

Germany returned to winning ways with a Lukas Podolski inspired 4-0 win over Cyprus in Hannover. The already qualified Germans restored their fans faith after their previoos loss to the Czech Republic.

[Brasil]

FT		Luxembourg [0 - 7] Germany
8'	[0 - 1]		R. Hennings
12'	[0 - 2]		M. Kruska (pen.)
19'	[0 - 3]		J. Rosenthal
22'	[0 - 4]		J. Rosenthal
29'	[0 - 5]		B. Ozbek
43'	[0 - 6]		R. Hennings
90'	[0 - 7]		A. Dejagah
Copyright © 1998-2007 LiveScore.com

Reminds me of WWII.

[Freddy Adu]

I'm hoping for that Germany win.. LETS GO GERMANY!

[Amo-te Benfica]

HT

Germany

0 - 0

Wales

[Freddy Adu]

WOW!
I expected a win but not like this goal fest.
FORCA GERMANY!

[Freddy Adu]

FT Germany 0 - 0 Wales

[Freddy Adu]

FT		Germany [0 - 0] Wales
83'			D. Gabbidon
84'			J. Collins
89'			W. Hennessey

[Freddy Adu]

Germany were already through so there was no point in them playing their full starting 11.

[Freddy Adu]

0

European Championship Qualifying: Group D Final - Fubball Arena Munchen Attendance: 49,252 Germany 0 - 0 Wales

0

[Freddy Adu]

Match Stats
	Germany	Wales
Shots (on Goal)	16(4)	5(0)
Fouls	8	14
Corner Kicks	10	5
Offsides	0	4
Time of Possession	53%	47%
Yellow Cards	0	3
Red Cards	0	0
Saves	4	4

[Freddy Adu]

Match Information Stadium: Fubball Arena Munchen
Attendance: 49,252
Match Time: 14:30 ET
Referee: Pavel Balaj

[Freddy Adu]

Teams
Germany	Wales
1 Jens Lehmann	Wayne Hennessey 1
35 Gonzalo Castro	James Collins 5
16 Philip Lahm	Daniel Gabbidon 4
17 Per Mertesacker	Chris Gunter 3
21 Christoph Metzelder	Lewin Nyatanga 6
18 Tim Borowski	Samuel Ricketts 2
27 Clemens Fritz	Simon Davies 10
15 Thomas Hitzlsperger	David Edwards 8
32 Mario Gomez	Carl Fletcher 7
11 Miroslav Klose	Joe Ledley 11
20 Lukas Podolski	Robert Earnshaw 9
Substitutes
12 Timo Hildebrand	Lewis Price 21
24 Manuel Friedrich	Neal Eardley 12
34 Roberto Hilbert	Steve Evans 16
38 Simon Rolfes	Craig Morgan 17
28 Piotr Trochowski	Andrew Crofts 18
9 Mike Hanke	David Cotterill 14
10 Oliver Neuville	Jermaine Easter 15
Substitutions
S Rolfes for T Hitzlsperger (46)	J Easter for R Earnshaw (55)
R Hilbert for G Castro (55)	A Crofts for D Edwards (90)
O Neuville for M Gomez (70)
Yellow Cards
	Daniel Gabbidon (83)
	James Collins (84)
	Wayne Hennessey (89)
· Club Rosters: Germany | Wales

[Freddy Adu]

Germany 0-0 Wales: Brave Welsh hold on

FRANKFURT, November 21 (Euro 2008 Qualifying) - Germany were held to a goalless draw by a brave Wales team on Wednesday night.

Wales, led superbly by skipper Simon Davies, fought for every yard and turned in a performance that saw them deservedly cheered off by friend and foe with Davies, Carl Fletcher and new boy David Edwards stealing the show in midfield.

And they got their reward against a Germany team that had become the first to qualify for next summer's tournament.

• Davies: Great performance

Germany threatened after 10 minutes when Thomas Hitzlsperger increased the pace, glided into space and set up Lukas Podolski for a 20-yard strike over the top.

Four minutes later Clemens Fritz and Tim Borowski exchanged quick, accurate passes with the Werder Bremen man hitting the foot of a post from 18 yards, Wayne Hennessey diving on the rebound.

Germany did not seem to think they needed to play at any great pace, which suited Wales. But when they did break, Philipp Lahm down the left, the resulting cross was headed inches wide by Mario Gomez.

Wales' response was an 18-yarder from Fletcher that flashed equally close to a post. Davies' run on the left then produced a cross that James Collins unluckily headed against a defender and behind.

Germany sent on Simon Rolfes for Hitzlsperger, and he was booked with virtually his first touch, for clattering Chris Gunter after the youngster had run past four white shirts to clear the ball.

Jermaine Easter took over from the tiring Robert Earnshaw, the Derby man exhausted having played after a week of sickness.

Hennessey missed a long cross after 59 minutes, and Rolfes' header was cleared from a gaping net by Collins. Miroslav Klose then headed just wide as Wales held on for a deserved point.

• Davies: Great performance

Wales' stand-in captain Simon Davies challenged his young team-mates to keep the momentum going after their battling 0-0 draw in Germany.

Although their hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008 had long since evaporated, the stalemate completed a positive week after Saturday's draw with the Republic of Ireland.

'It was a great performance right from the beginning, we played really well in the first half and kept the ball,' Davies told BBC Two Wales.

'We knew at half-time it was only half done and we defended really well. It was a great experience and good to end on a positive.

'We have got to carry that on now. We have got to keep the consistency and get that into our game.'

Davies added: 'Everyone deserves a pat on the back and has a shout to get into the the XI. We want those selection problems.'

Manager John Toshack claimed his side could be happy overall with their campaign despite some stinging criticism at times.

'We've had four poor performances but we've had eight performances we can be pleased with - so that's a 66% pass,' he said.

Of tonight's match he added: 'You always try to do your best and I thought the longer it went on I could see us getting a result - but I thought they did very well.

'Taking into account everything I'm pleased for all of them. We were without key players today. I'm proud of all of them.'

ESPNsoccernet - Euro 2008 - Germany v Wales Report

[Freddy Adu]

Below-par Germany held by Wales


Written by: AFP

	Germany´s goalkeeper Jens Lehmann directs his defense during their group D Euro 2008 qualifier match in Frankfurt. The match ended in a goalless draw.

BERLIN (AFP) - Germany finished their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign with a mainly lacklustre effort as plucky Wales held the hosts to a 0-0 draw in Frankfurt on Wednesday night.

The result was academic as Germany had booked their place at next June's European Championships in Austria and Switzerland with a 0-0 draw in Dublin last month, while the Welsh were merely playing for pride.

But Wales' coach John Toshack can be proud of his team after they matched the Germans who produced a below-par performance which leaves them second in Group D behind the Czech Republic.

The pre-match talk from German striker Miroslav Klose, top scorer at last year's World Cup, had been of a goal bonanza after he netted his 36th international goal in Saturday's 4-0 qualifier win over Cyprus.

There had been pre-match rumours of Germany being prepared to sacrifice a result against Wales for a favourable draw at next summer's Euro 2008 tournament, something coach Joachim Loew was quick to play down.

"We did everything we could to win the game," said Loew. "We never found our rhythm and made it easy for Wales. But it is wrong to say we played badly intentionally. We just had a bad day, we have still had a good qualification campaign."

But a heavily weakened Welsh side, who showed some fighting spirit with a 2-2 draw against the Republic of Ireland in Cardiff last Saturday, were never outplayed and tested the Germans on several occasions.

"I am very happy with the result and proud of the team," said Wales coach Toshack. "We had five players who can still play for the under-21 side and we were without Gareth Bale and Craig Bellamy, so this was a good finish for us."

With nothing hanging on the game, this was a far cry from the teams last meeting when Germany humbled the Welsh 2-0 in Cardiff in September as Klose slotted both goals.

The home side made a bright start as Lukas Podolski, continuing in the attacking midfield role which was so successful against Cyprus, made an early impression.

He unleashed the first real shot of the game on 10 minutes and midfielder partner Tim Borowski clattered the posts soon after.

This was a Welsh side desperately short of experience and attacking options with striker Freddy Eastwood out with a knee injury, Craig Bellamy missing with a groin problem and Jason Koumas suspended.

Derby County's Rob Earnshaw, who missed Saturday's draw against the Republic of Ireland in Cardiff with flu, was the lone striker up front.

Wales had their share of chances in a low-key opening with Germany's goalkeeper Jens Lehmann forced into a diving save just before half-time as a Simon Davies shot flew wide.

It was 0-0 at the break, but second-half substitute Simon Rolfes had an early chance with a header, but there was little for either side to cheer about in the second 45 minutes.

But the home side would be disappointed to have squandered a 15-4 ratio of shots on goal as they failed to convert their chances.

There was a late flurry of yellow cards for Wales as defenders James Collins and Danny Gabbidon, plus goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey picked up bookings in the last ten minutes.

There were a few boos and whistles at the final whistle, something Germany's defender Philipp Lahm said he could understand.

"If we draw 0-0 at home against Wales, you can expect the whistles of the fans. We were weak in the first-half and we didn't concentrate 100 percent."

[Oscar Cardozo]

This is a bad result

[Brasil]

Argentina return to the top of FIFA rankings


Written by: AFP

	Argentina´s Juan Roman Riquelme celebrates after scoring against Bolivia during a World Cup qualifier in November 2007. Argentina have moved ahead of Brazil to top the final FIFA world rankings for 2007.

PARIS (AFP) - Argentina have moved ahead of Brazil to top the final FIFA world rankings for 2007.

The South Americans played 16 times during the year winning 11, losing three and drawing two of them. World champions Italy are in third position after qualifiying for next summer's Euro 2008 finals.



FIFA world rankings







1.

Argentina

1523 points





2.

Brazil

1502





3.

Italy

1498





4.

Spain

1349





5.

Germany

1298





6.

Czech Republic

1290





7.

France

1243





8.

Portugal

1241





9.

Netherlands

1170





10.

Croatia

1129

[Freddy Adu]

Fifa are fucking stupid. This is gay. I don't think ANY South American deserves to be in the top 5.
Year after year they go vs shit teams. In Europe every year they go vs Amazing teams. Stick Argentina and Brazil in the Euro 2008. Granted they would do well but do this year after year and they wont even be ranked at teh top.
Fifa are some racist fuckers.

[Brasil]

Germany to warm up for Euro against Belarus, Serbia


Written by: AFP

	German football coach Joachim Loew, seen here in November 2007, will put the final touches to his squad in preparation for the 2008 Euro in friendlies against Belarus and Serbia.

FRANKFURT, Germany (AFP) - The final touches to Germany's preparations for the 2008 European Championships will be made in friendlies against Belarus and Serbia, the German football federation said Wednesday.

Germany, among the favourites for the June 2-29 championships in Austria and Switzerland, will play Belarus on May 27 in Kaiserslautern and Serbia four days later in Gelsenkirchen.

Belarus are ranked only 60th in FIFA's rankings, while Serbia are ranked 27th. Germany coach Joachim Loew said the pair were chosen due to their "similarities" with Germany's group rivals.

Loew said: "We've chosen these two teams because they have similar characteristics, as regards mentality and style of game, to Poland and Croatia."

Germany will play their first group match against Poland on June 8 in Klagenfurt, Austria, face Croatia on June 11 and then meet co-hosts Austria on June 16.

In other pre-tournament warm-up matches Germany will face Austria on February 6 in Vienna and Switzerland on March 26. Germany's headquarters for the tournament will be in Ascona, Switzerland.