German XI
by Herr EdHerr Hippo predicts that England will win Group B. If they do it would be preferable to avoid hosts Germany in the second round. Herr Hippo has analysed the German squad and presents his first choice line-up below.
Germany are in quite a weak group, Group A, which also features Costa Rica, Ecuador and Poland: Germany should therefore play an aggressive and attacking 4-3-3 formation. This would incorporate a powerful midfield trio, with Frings playing just behind Borowski and Ballack. Schneider and Schweinsteiger push forward up the flanks and their crosses can make the most of Klose’s aerial threat. If Germany wish to revert to 4-4-2, striker Podolski can be brought on for Borowksi, with the wingers dropped back to midfield. If they adopt this approach, Germany can win their group with ease – and will hopefully face Sweden or Paraguay in the second round! What do you think of Herr Hippo’s selection? 
June 5th, 2006 at 10:49 am
We should be able to beat Germany (and what a game it would be) on a team by team comparison - the danger of winning the group is having to face Argentina in the QF and then Brazil in the SF. Let Sweden win the group?
June 5th, 2006 at 11:32 am
I’ve always been a big fan of team by team comparison.
I can’t see Schweinsteiger playing in such an attacking position in that formation. If I was Klinsmann I’d play Frings behind a midfield three of Ballack (central), Schweinsteiger (left) and Neuville (right). Borowski would be my super-sub in the last half-hour, if Germany are drawing or losing in, place of Frings.
Kehl would be my choice in central defence over Metzelder partly due to his better mobility.
June 5th, 2006 at 1:45 pm
I’m hoping that in an attempt to avoid the possible Argentina (QF) and Brasil (SF) route we witness both England and Sweden playing to lose when they meet in order to avoid winning the group. If James starts against Sweden - I think we can draw conclusions on what Sven is thinking…
June 5th, 2006 at 3:05 pm
I don’t think England are clever enough to lose on purpose.
I wouldn’t worry about Argentina as they won’t make it out of their group.
June 5th, 2006 at 10:19 pm
Is it possible to make use of the goal bank described in a previous article? This time as an overdraft.
If we beat Trinidad and Tobago 4:1, can we not put Trinidad’s (and Tobabgo’s) on our ‘credit card’? Then against Sweden we could pay it off and start the game 1:0 behind. The Swede’s will never see that one coming! We’d need to be careful though, because if we don’t pay it off in the group stages it will accrue interest and we could start the final 7:0 down. Not even the Crouch fella could save us then.
About the German team, do you not think Mad Jens Lehman is a liability? His sending off in the Champions league was not his first rush of blood. With referees increasingly under the spotlight I can see an overly officious official making the whole world smile by sending the Arsenal stopper to an early bath.
June 6th, 2006 at 3:34 am
Helger has a point. Lehman is potentially Germany’s Achilles Heel. He may be a better shot blocker than Kahn, but Kahn has a much more level head. And by level head I do mean shaped like a block.
June 6th, 2006 at 8:14 am
Surely the mighty Paraguay will win the group and be better placed to face their fellow South Americans, Argentina. Then the Argies will knock out Brazil and finally the Crouch will avenge the memories of ‘86.
The Germans don’t stand a chance, Especially after the news breaks that Borowski and Podolski are actually Polish and the germans are sensationally kicked out of the cup for cheating…
June 6th, 2006 at 12:26 pm
When will someone discover that David James is actually from San Marino and give them the benefit of his expertise?
June 7th, 2006 at 9:53 am
I think England have more to worry about from T&T than Paraguay. At least Paraguay are predictable.
Also T&T will be on a high after their match against Sweden in which Stern John will score a hat-trick.
June 7th, 2006 at 11:16 am
I have been told that the FIFA Goal Bank only work for goals scored by your team.
There may be a new Swiss kind of Goal Bank account introduced by UEFA for Euro 2008. Additional features could include Online Goal Banking and a ‘Save Now, Spend February’ scheme to assist coaches with their long term planning.