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Uli Stein previews the World Cup |
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Former West Germany goalkeeper Uli Stein shares his thoughts ahead of this year’s World Cup.
There are only days to go now until the start of this year's World Cup and as you’d expect everyone in Germany is getting excited about hosting the greatest event in the world. It’s impossible to avoid World Cup fever with TV channels, radio stations and newspapers all running various features as we count down to the tournament’s opener between Germany and Costa Rica on the 9th June.
Naturally the moneymen are anticipating a big month for German businesses, but at the heart of the World Cup is a love for the game of football itself, and the football should be excellent! From what I’ve seen, the World Cup stadiums look superb, and provide a fitting platform for the best players in the world. I certainly would have enjoyed playing in some of those arenas back in my day – and the players this summer won’t be able to blame the pitches for any below par performances!
When previewing the World Cup I feel it makes sense to look at Germany’s prospects first. Perhaps it’s my heart ruling my head but I can honestly see Klinsmann’s side reaching the semi-finals. But, despite what my heart may say, my head certainly rules out an appearance for the host in the finals. I expect that home advantage (and crowds) will give Germany the edge in their more evenly matched contests – just like it did for South Korea four years ago. Ultimately though, the present German side lack the quality through nos. 1 -11 to claim the tournament outright, and I believe they will struggle when they face one of the more talented sides in the later rounds.
Of the outsiders I like the look of Spain, who always seem to underachieve in the big events. As probably the most unlucky team in international football they’re due a change of fortunes and should go far if they get “the run of the ball”. They also now have players with experience of other leagues, not just La Liga, including their English Premiership contingent; Luis Garcia (Liverpool), Reyes and Fabregas (Arsenal) to name a few. I rate the Premiership as the most competitive league in the world, and certainly having so many English-based players will be of benefit to Spanish hopes.
Like many, my favourites are of course the Brazilians. Argentina also need to be considered closely and possibly even England. Eriksson’s team has seemingly the quality to win the title. In any case, the preliminary round against Trinidad and Tobago, Paraguay and Sweden shouldn’t be a problem.
There’s also the mouth-watering possibility that Germany and England could meet in the semi-finals in what could be the game of the tournament. The duels between Germany and England are typically unforgettable and many of the greatest games in football history involve matches between the two traditional rivals. Indeed, the third goal from Wembley in ’66 is still being shown on TV, as is the extra time victory in the quarter-finals in Mexico in 1970. Unfortunately the 5-1 beating in Munich a few years ago also features regularly – when, for my money, Germany was downright unlucky, although I may be speaking out of my pockets there!
The World Cup is the ultimate showcase for football talent and, like everyone else, I’m expecting big things from the likes of Ronaldinho and his Brazilian team mates. South America’s other big hope, Argentina, can look to the likes of Riquelme and especially Messi for inspiration. Meanwhile England’s big draws are Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard who came 2nd and 3rd respectively in last years European Player of the Year. It’s a real shame that Wayne Rooney is injured and seems likely to miss out. I genuinely hope he makes it as I’m sure all football fans will love watching him show his skills against the world’s elite – for me Rooney is already one of the most spectacular players in the world, and he’s only 20 years old! To be honest I don’t expect much from David Beckham who, in my opinion, has struggled for form with Real Madrid of late. England will hope their skipper rediscovers his best during the World Cup.
I just hope the World Cup lives up to its billing and that when the tournament closes on July 9th that there has been no trouble off the pitch and, without wanting to sound tacky, that the best team wins.
Enjoy the World Cup,
Uli
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