June 13 - Group D - Germany vs. Australia [R]

[DJT]

11:30 AM PDT
12:30 PM MDT
1:30 PM CDT
2:30 PM EDT
3:30 PM ADT
4:00 PM NDT
8:30 PM SAST

@ Durban

[Jeremy]

Should be an easy one for the Germans

[jpg75]

I doubt it will be easy, the Australians will fight for 90 minutes.

[nolando]

Looking forward to this one - Aussies still have a very decent midfield and this might be closer than some figure. I guess a 2-1 victory for Germany.

[BearcatSA]

I doubt it will be easy, the Australians will fight for 90 minutes.

Agreed. This will be a hard fought match.

[beachesl]

Germany v Australia line-ups: Germany: Neuer, Friedrich, Badstuber, Mertesacker, Lahm, Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Ozil, Podolski, Klose, Muller.
Subs: Wiese, Jansen, Aogo, Tasci, Kiessling, Trochowski, Kroos, Cacau, Boateng, Marin, Gomez, Butt.
Australia: Schwarzer, Neill, Moore, Chipperfield, Emerton, Cahill, Culina, Wilkshire, Grella, Valeri, Garcia.
Subs: Federici, Beauchamp, Kennedy, Kewell, Holman, Jedinak, Rukavytsya, Milligan, Carney, Vidosic, Bresciano, Galekovic.
Referee: Marco Rodriguez (Mexico)

[beachesl]

1ST 7 minutes, cracking match!

[beachesl]

7:45, German goal, sloppy Aus defending, Podolski, great passing

[beachesl]

Finally, a card for simulation, against Ozil de Germany..FROM A MEXICAN REF!!!!

[Jeremy]

Socceroos not putting up much of a fight right now, apart from these occasional intrusions in German territory... Germany's passes are so good. Short and precise.

[jpg75]

Excellent crossing by the Germans.

Another beautiful cross, Klose makes it 2-0.

[beachesl]

No way Moore shoulda got a yella for that!!!!!!1

[beachesl]

Excellent crossing by the Germans.

Another goal, excellenteverything . They are fluid, like liquid on rock.

by Gerries now, Australia, do not belong in this match. Hopefully they can compose and score.

[Jeremy]

what a cross... this is by far the best team in this WC yet!

[beachesl]

what a cross... this is by far the best team in this WC yet!

Furr the Germans...not competitive enuff to be the best match..and Aussie defence horrible, so will wait to see what they do against good team...in playoffs.

[Free kick]

Socceroos not putting up much of a fight right now, apart from these occasional intrusions in German territory... Germany's passes are so good. Short and precise.

These Guys stink! Their D-men are getting sliced up like butter.

On a side note, this game is make me greater fan of the US. Are the americans worst than the Aussies? come on man!!!! yet if you read blogs, articles, forums from overseas you only see a lack of respect for US soccer. But you you never the same said of, for example, the aussies. It could easily be 4-0 Germany right now.

Oh and one more thing, where are those big proponents of the A-league. You know the ones that keep saying that if Australia can a league why can't Canada? Only one player from the a-league is on the pitch. To repeat myself, its not a enough to create a bunch teams in various towns and call it league. there has to be certain level of quality to it for it to have any value.

[beachesl]

But Australia there. Period.

Germany did right by picking young...speed of Nigeria with skill of Brazil.

[Jeremy]

Yeah I don't understand all the guys who said this will be a hard fought match, you just had to watch USA - Australia on the 9th I think and you would have said the same thing as me.

[BearcatSA]

Yeah I don't understand all the guys who said this will be a hard fought match, you just had to watch USA - Australia on the 9th I think and you would have said the same thing as me.

The Germans have been absolutely "on song," apart from the Klose miss. Too bad Garcia couldn't put that chance away off the corner early in the game, but nonetheless all credit to the Germans.

[jpg75]

^ Because all teams at this level need to be respected. One or two bounces and this could be a different game, like Garcia having his goalmouth shot blocked by Lahm in the 2nd minute.

[Free kick]

But Australia there. Period.

Germany did right by picking young...speed of Nigeria with skill of Brazil.

Yeah they are there alright. But so are the Americans. And if you compare the Aus_Ger match to the USA-Eng match how can anyone not notice that there is far far bigger gap between Australia and the top powers than there is between the US and the the same top powers. Both sides came more of less from the same starting point and went about things the same way. But you can clearly see the MLS influence on the US roster. But where is the a-league influence on the Aussie team and what benefit has it had on them. I bring this up because so many stated repeated that the case against getting teams into MLS was the example of Australia.

Unlike Canada and concacaf, lets remind ourselves that qualifying out of asia is much easier because there are more spots up for grabs and their half place qualifier has been brutal in inter continenal match ups. I like our prospects better for the future than Australia.

[teddym]

One or two bounces and this could be a different game . . .

Don't talk silly. The F*ckeroos don't belong on the same pitch.

[beachesl]

BBC Radio 5 live's Robbie Savage "That's a penalty. When you head the ball from six yards and it hits an arm, it's a definite penalty. The header is on target, the defender has jumped and it's hit his arm - that's a penalty. Great start to the half by Australia"

The crazy welshman is right, especially when arm is extended.

[jpg75]

Well, that's the game right there.

[beachesl]

Yeah they are there alright. But so are the Americans. And if you compare the Aus_Ger match to the USA-Eng match how can anyone not notice that there is far far bigger gap between Australia and the top powers than there is between the US and the the same top powers. Both sides came more of less from the same starting point and went about things the same way. But you can clearly see the MLS influence on the US roster. But where is the a-league influence on the Aussie team and what benefit has it had on them. I bring this up because so many stated repeated that the case against getting teams into MLS was the example of Australia.

Unlike Canada and concacaf, lets remind ourselves that qualifying out of asia is much easier because there are more spots up for grabs and their half place qualifier has been brutal in inter continenal match ups. I like our prospects better for the future than Australia.

Maybe in the future, but right now the Aussies would wax our ass easily.

[jpg75]

Don't talk silly. The F*ckeroos don't belong on the same pitch.

They don't now, but if it was 1-0 they might have changed tactics and bunkered their way to a result...not that i think that would have last 90 minutes but crazier **** has happened in international soccer.

[beachesl]

Like Canada in the Gold Cup, the Aussies cannot get fair officiating in the World Cup. The difference now is that they are not better than the opposition, unlike against Italy in 06.

[The Ref]

Damned mexican referee. He and his hairdoo don't belong there.

[jpg75]

What was the point of playing Cahill as the lone striker? His strength is that he shows up in the box late in the play and catches the defenders with their pants down, how can he do that as a forward? Put Kennedy up top with Cahill as the support. Not like that's going to matter anymore.

[beachesl]

What was the point of playing Cahill as the lone striker? His strength is that he shows up in the box late in the play and catches the defenders with their pants down, how can he do that as a forward? Put Kennedy up top with Cahill as the support. Not like that's going to matter anymore.

Yeah, getting so predictable, I may even check out bigsoccer.com

Ooops, 4-0 now.

[jpg75]

The Germans are merciless, this could get ugly.

Anyone want to lay odds on another Aussie sending off?

edit: Well look at that, the Germans took the foot off the pedal after the fourth goal...if they had run up the score i had a feeling Neill or Moore were going to take it out on someone.

[beachesl]

Interesting, but racist, Argie commentary now about how most of Germans are not really "Germans"!

Yeah, one reason I like Uruguay, where thye generally respect races. In Argentina, the government-supported paramilitaries killed off their 2.5 million blacks between 1865 and 1885 because they were worried about what they were seeing in the US South after the Civil War. No black has ever played for Argentina.

[teddym]

Interesting, but racist, Argie commentary now about how most of Germans are not really "Germans"!

Yeah, one reason I like Uruguay, where thye generally respect races. In Argentina, the government-supported paramilitaries killed off their 2.5 million blacks between 1865 and 1885 because they were worried about what they were seeing in the US South after the Civil War. No black has ever played for Argentina.

You're cut off.

[Ed]

Finally, a card for simulation, against Ozil de Germany..FROM A MEXICAN REF!!!!

Make it two, one more for Cacau in extra time. Good on the ref!

[beachesl]

You're cut off.

That's what my girlfriend said because of all the futbol maldito! :)

[Juby]

I was explaining germany to a friend, I said germany would win, probably well and then I went on to explain a bit about it, "you see, germany's kinda on the themore disciplined side, very organized, calculating, cautious, but not terribly creative or inventive or paticularly risky, just flat out talented, I don't wanna say theirs no creative germans cause their are but on this stage...now brazil's on the other side of the extreme and both brazil and germany are incredibly successful but on the other side of the table you have a great number of people who chase the unexpected side of the game to really create a magical environment where the live spectator is left as confused as the defender on a skill youve practised relentlessly but used in a moment of feigned (or real) weakness... now the equally successful german player is raised a little differently as footballers, more utilitarian and win oriented, a german (in a very important competition) would never play confused and pass to an unusual option without looking, why not just dribble the ball to where I want it and strike it as perfectly as I can to the player I want, even clever flicks are usually done profficiently as a last resort when it;s the best possible option, even 1 times, which they do aren't used to often because if the last mans good pass gave you the time to take the time to place it perfectly, you should probably take it(but obviously use your head a bit, one time through pass). Actually canada could be said be more daring and creative then germany, that said, they beat us 4-1 last time we played. But don't get me wrong, there are creative german's, but in the world cup when the pressures on they will mostly aspire for technical perfection with strongly organized play, unless maybe they get 3 goals up." or something along those lines

now i watched this game expecting a german player was going to just do something magical once just to make me look stupid, but no, that first half went, australia even had more creative flair and were getting thoroughly dominated. my friend asked me how likely it was for germany to win it all, I thought about it, and I was watching this game and said 25%, that's pretty damn good odds for any team i'd say

[jpoma]

Well, that was a thorough spanking.

[SCF08]

I wouldn't give any team 25% at this stage. Australia made Germany looked even better than that they actually were.

If they would come up against a proper team that actually has a attacking minded player in the squad the German defence might surprise you in a negative way.

A Hummer makes a quicker U-Turn than Mertesacker and Friedrich has been relegated with Hertha BSC this year. That's central defence for ya. Neuer and Badstuber are big question marks as well.

[Juby]

fair enough, it's probably just because alot of the other powers haven't looked so dominating, but the other teams are more likely to get themselves in a corner anyway so maybe I shouldn't think much of it.

[canucklefan]

Still, this is the first serious candidate to win the WC. IMO, it is safe to assume Germany will play at least the semifinals, probably against Spain, but it remains to be seen how they will play in this tournament and how they will deal with their injuries (Iniesta and also Fabregas who is coming from an injury)

[strobe_z]

Not to take anything away from the German machine, but did anyone else think that the ref had it in for the Aussies for some reason? Now it could just be my healthy disrespect for Mexican referees, but the straight red was overly harsh IMHO and he missed a clear German handling the ball in the box call. Still, the Aussies disappointed me. They usually play with a lot of grit and a bit of fun (if not quite flair), but in this game they looked... *****y. The had their hands up calling for offsides for everything, and they were pulling cheap little elbows all over the place. To me they embarrassed themselves in more ways than one today. Too bad.

[pulsar]

I agree the red card was very harsh, but I thought the referee did a great job today.

[Free kick]

Still, this is the first serious candidate to win the WC. IMO, it is safe to assume Germany will play at least the semifinals, probably against Spain, but it remains to be seen how they will play in this tournament and how they will deal with their injuries (Iniesta and also Fabregas who is coming from an injury)

I hate to start dating myself but one needs to see enough World cup to know that first round performances are not always indicative of success in the end. The purpose of the first round is to advance and there are very many teams who struggle mightily in the first round, and barely advance, only to go on and hoist the Jules Rimet trophy in the end ( See every WC won by Italy). By the sounds of it you probably dont recall the 1986 WC, You would have found yourself how anyone could possibly beat Denmark. They smoked everyone scoring nine goals and going 3-0 in the first round in a group that included Germany, Uruguay and Scotland. But in the end it was Germany and Argentina in the final. I have come to view performances such as today's as almost a jinx in world cups.

We knew going in the Germany was going to be force as they always are and their performance was impressive. They, along with Italy and Brazil are the cream to the crop in this sport. But dont read anything because there is ALOT ALOT of soccer left to be played.

[jpg75]

Don't forget the Brasilian team of that 1986 tournament. Beat Spain and Algeria in the opening round, thumping Poland in the 2nd round before losing to France in the QF's. That team had some supremely talented players with the likes of Socrates, Careca, Muller, Zico (who was relegated to sub duty!)...

[Ed]

Lot of rookies in the German team. Despite that, their attack looks superb.The Aussies are highly overrated (especially on this board) and showed their level today. But the German defence could be suspect vs Ghana and Serbia.

[BearcatSA]

I hate to start dating myself...

Can't find a date, eh? But seriously, I agree with your points. One exception was Beckenbauer's (and Osieck's?) Germany in 1990, where they started off strongly and then maintained a high enough level of performance to claim the trophy. England started disastrously in 1986 yet salvaged a place in the QF; they weren't lighting it up in the group stage at Italia 90, either, but managed to come within penalties of a finals appearence. Italy had a strong run that tourney but fell flat in the semis vs Argentina.

[Grizzly]

These Guys stink! Their D-men are getting sliced up like butter.

On a side note, this game is make me greater fan of the US. Are the americans worst than the Aussies? come on man!!!! yet if you read blogs, articles, forums from overseas you only see a lack of respect for US soccer. But you you never the same said of, for example, the aussies. It could easily be 4-0 Germany right now.

Oh and one more thing, where are those big proponents of the A-league. You know the ones that keep saying that if Australia can a league why can't Canada? Only one player from the a-league is on the pitch. To repeat myself, its not a enough to create a bunch teams in various towns and call it league. there has to be certain level of quality to it for it to have any value.

I agree that the US is ahead of Australia but Australia is also miles ahead of us regardless of how poorly they played today. What is important is not how many A-League players are on the pitch but how many players played in the A-League (or its predecessor) at one time before moving on to Europe and it is a significant number. If we could have a league at the level of the A-League with 11 teams in Canada I would still choose that over the current 3 team MLS model but it is moot since it is not going to happen. Australia getting their ass kicked by a top team in one game doesn't change the value of their national league nor indicate that there program is not doing a lot of things better than ours is.