| FOOTBALL CAREER OF JURGEN KLINSMANN |
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NEWS of KLINSMANN: JAN 2006 to MAY 2006
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May 2006
April 2006
March 2006
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Note: If you cannot see the photos in this page, this is most likely due to the exceedance of the hourly bandwidth limitation of geocities.com. But you can still read all the text.
If you are interested to have a look at the photos, please return to this page an hour later or go to Klinsmann's Photo Album.
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31 May 2006
Record crowd watch Germany public training session
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A record crowd of 42,200 flag-waving fans watched a Germany training session open to the public on 31 May 2006. Klinsmann commented "We didn't expect as much of a frenzy as this ... It's fantastic the people are already in World Cup fever. It's a great thing to get support like this. We want to repay it."
(Source: Reuters)
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30 May 2006
Match Report: Germany vs Japan 2-2
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Germany avoided an embarassing defeat by scoring 2 goals from set-pieces in the last 15 minutes (by Klose at 76 min and Schweinsteiger at 80 min) and displayed a spirited fightback from two goals behind.
Takahara opened the scoreline for Japan in the second half by scoring 2 goals in the 57th and 65th minute.
In this game, Japan exploited the weakness in the Germany's defence and created a number of lethal chances. Japan could surely score more goals if Lehmann was not in superb form.
Ballack returned to the field in this match but he was experimentally required by Klinsmann to spend more time on the right of midfield in order to grant Tim Borowski additional room in the centre.
Ballack's comment on this match: "We need to be more concerned about our defence ... The game showed we still have not sorted out the same problems we have been having for the last two years ... It is our offensive philosophy to play quickly to the front but we are losing too many balls ... It is important for our self-confidence not to concede a goal ... And hopefully we can score a few ourselves."
Klinsmann's comment on this match: "Obviously you're a lot happier after coming back from two goals down. Defeat would have been painful, but not the end of the world. We gave them too many chances."
(Source: soccernet.com)
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Schweinsteiger (center) & Ballack (left) celebrating after scoring the equalizer
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29 May 2006
Klinsmann's comment on the training camps in Sardinia and Geneva
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He said "You can see we've done a lot of work with the players on tactics and fitness ... It's all worked very well."
(Source: Reuters)
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29 May 2006
Germany's injury report update
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1. Ballack: ankle strain (doubtful to play in the friendly match against Japan on 30 Jun 2006)
2. Huth: ankle injury (doubtful to play in the friendly match against Japan on 30 Jun 2006)
3. Lahm: elbow injury (recovering)
(Source: Reuters)
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27 May 2006
Match report: Germany v Luxembourg 7 - 0
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Germany won Luxembourg in a WC06 warm-up international friendly by 7-0. Klose (at 5 & 59 min), Podolski (at 35 & 65 (penalty) min) and Neuville (twice at 90 min) scored twice together with Frings' penalty (at 19 min) secured this victory. Both Ballack (whose role was taken over by Borowski) and Lahm, who had not yet recovered from injury, did not play in this match.
In this game, Klinsmann had asked his team to put in practice the direct style they have been working on in Geneva. When asked about this victory, Klinsmann commented that "It was a small but important test and we got going straight away ...
We're delighted when the fans are happy and everyone is in a good mood but among ourselves we know there's a lot of work to do ... We have to prepare for rivals of a much higher calibre than Luxembourg ... We want to play seven matches at the World Cup ... There's loads still to do and we start tomorrow morning ...
It did us some good to pass the first small test before the World Cup ... We're all looking forward to the tournament ... The nice thing is that the players did what we asked them to do. We told the strikers before to get as many chances as possible and to use them. It worked out and that's obviously good for their self-confidence."
As to the position of goalkeeper, both Lehmann (starting eleven in 1st half) and Kahn (substitute in 2nd half) played for 45 minutes each.
However, Huth has twisted his ankle and Neuville has suffered from a slight thigh strain in this match.
Meanwhile, Klinsmann also revealed that Lehmann, Ballack, Frings, Schneider and Klose will be in the starting line-up against Costa Rica in the opening match of WC06 on June 9.
(Source: Reuters, Mingpao)
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Klinsmann watching his team during a friendly match against Luxembourg
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25 May 2006
Ballack was slightly injured in training!!
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Ballack has injured his ankle during a training match against Servette Geneva's U-18 team on Thursday. Luckily, according to the spokesman for the German Football Association, it is only a light sprain in the left foot.
Germany won this match by 12 - 0.
(Source: Reuters)
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Klinsmann watching his team during a friendly match against Servette FC Geneva at the Stade de Geneve
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23 May 2006
A brief summary of Klinsmann's coaching career since 2004
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Below is a brief summary of Klinsmann's coaching career since 2004 written by Kevin Fylan:
"[Klinsmann's] surprise appointment as coach came as Germany, who as West Germany were world champions in 1954 and 1974 as well as in 1990, found themselves with no obvious candidate willing to replace Rudi Voeller after a rotten showing at Euro 2004.
"The signs were good from the start and with the team playing a relentless attacking game they finished the 2005 Confederations Cup in third place after losing 3-2 to Brazil in an outstanding semi-final.
"Since then, the results have been mixed but Klinsmann has stuck by an inexperienced defence and an attack with little track record but fantastic potential, led by strikers Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose.
"Klinsmann has also shown a ruthless streak very much in keeping with his style as a striker, standing up to Bayern Munich over the goalkeeping question and naming Arsenal's Jens Lehmann as number one in place of Oliver Kahn.
"He has also stood firm over calls for him to move back from California. For the moment, few Germans are happy with the arrangement that sees him make the 22-hour round trip several times a month.
"Klinsmann says it suits him perfectly. His family life has not been disrupted, he watches endless Bundesliga and international matches on video and television, he logs on to his e-mails throughout the day and is constantly in touch with his training staff and office.
"He maintains it makes no difference if he is in Huntingdon Beach or Hanover."
(Source: FRANKFURT, May 23 (Reuters), "Klinsmann restores German self-belief", by Kevin Fylan)
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23 May 2006
Germany won a 70-min training match by 2 - 1
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Germany beat Servette (a Swiss club) by 2 - 1 in a "closed doors" 70-minute training match in Geneva on Tuesday.
18 out of the 23-man squad were deployed by Klinsmann in this training match and the scorers for the Germans were Ballack and Asamoah.
(Source: Reuters)
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22 May 2006
Germany's injury report update
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Recovery progress of the 6 unfit players in the German squad:
1. Lahm: elbow injury (will not return to full training until the end of May)
2. Metzelder: calf muscle injury (took part in light training on 22 May 06 morning but will not be able to take full part until Wednesday at the earliest)
3. Kehl: ankle problem (returned to training on 22 May 06)
4. Borowski: cold
5. Hanke: cold
6. Podolski: back injury (returned to training on 22 May 06)
(Source: Reuters)
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Klinsmann watching his team during a training session in Geneva
The Germans are training in Geneva
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21 May 2006
Six unfit players may affect Germany's WC06 preparation
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The German squad has finished their training camp in Sardinia, Italy and moved to their next scheduled training site at Geneva, Switzerland.
However, there are 6 unfit players in the squad:
1. Lahm: elbow injury (will not return to full training until the end of May)
2. Metzelder: calf muscle injury
3. Kehl: ankle problem (may return to training on Sunday)
4. Borowski: cold
5. Hanke: cold
6. Podolski: back injury
(Source: Reuters)
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20 May 2006
Germany's public training session on 31 May 2006
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The German National Team will conduct a public training session in Dusseldorf on 31 May 2006.
(Source: HKJC Football)
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18 May 2006
Klinsmann's comment on Lehmann's sent-off at Champions League final
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Klinsmann criticised the referee for his decision to dismiss Lehmann and commented that "It would have been right to allow the goal and give Jens a yellow card ... I am sure he will be over it once the (World Cup) tournament starts."
(Source: www.soccernet.com)
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16 May 2006
WC06 training match against FSV Luckenwalde: Lahm injured
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Germany has played a training match against amateur club Luckenwalde and won by 7 - 0 (Scorer: Schweinsteiger (2), Asamoah, Hitzlsperger, Neuville, Klose and Hanke).
Unfortunately, Lahm (photo on the right) injured his elbow in this friendly match.
(Source: Reuters)
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15 May 2006
Germany's World Cup warm-up friendly matches fixture & training schedule
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Warm-up friendly matches fixture:
- 27 May 2006: friendly against Luxembourg (in Freiburg, Germany)
- 30 May 2006: friendly against Japan (in Leverkusen, Germany)
- 2 June 2006: friendly against Colombia (in Moenchengladbach, Germany)
Training schedule:
- 17 May 2006 - 20 May 2006: training camp (in Sardinia, Italy)
- 21 May 2006 - 30 May 2006: training camp (in Geneva, Switzerland)
(Source: Reuters)
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15 May 2006
Klinsmann finalized his last 23 for WC06
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Among the 23 players, Klinsmann recalled 32-year-old experienced defender Jens Nowotny and added uncapped midfielder David Odonkor. On the other hand, Kevin Kuranyi, Fabian Ernst and Patrick Owomoyela (who were all Klinsmann's favourite in past matches) were omitted.
When asked about winning the World Cup 2006, Klinsmann commented that "It's everyone's goal and dream ... We're three times champions. We know it will be a difficult goal to achieve but, with a lot of commitment, we're going to aim for that."
23-men squad:
Goalkeepers: Jens Lehmann (Arsenal), Oliver Kahn (Bayern Munich), Timo Hildebrand (VfB Stuttgart)
Defenders: Arne Friedrich (Hertha Berlin), Robert Huth (Chelsea), Marcell Jansen (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Per Mertesacker (Hanover 96), Christoph Metzelder (Borussia Dortmund), Jens Nowotny (Bayer Leverkusen)
Midfielders: Michael Ballack (Bayern Munich), Tim Borowski (Werder Bremen), Torsten Frings (Werder Bremen), Sebastian Kehl (Borussia Dortmund), Bernd Schneider (Bayer Leverkusen), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich), Thomas Hitzlsperger (VfB Stuttgart), David Odonkor (Borussia Dortmund)
Forwards: Gerald Asamoah (Schalke 04), Miroslav Klose (Werder Bremen), Oliver Neuville (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Lukas Podolski (Cologne), Mike Hanke (Werder Bremen).
Alternates:
Goalkeeper: Robert Enke (Hanover 96)
Defenders: Manuel Friedrich (MSV Mainz), Patrick Owomoyela (Werder Bremen)
Midfielders: Fabian Ernst (Schalke 04), Paul Freier (Bayer Leverkusen)
Forward: Kevin Kuranyi (Schalke 04)
(Source: Reuters)
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13 May 2006
Beckenbauer: Klinsmann will be fired if Germany is "out" in the early stage
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Klinsmann was warned by Beckenbauer again. Beckenbauer warned that if Germany was eliminated in the early stage, then Klinsmann will be fired.
(Source: HKJC Football)
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21 April 2006
Nowotny was called up for WC 2006 fitness tests
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Bayer Leverkusen defender Jens Nowotny has been called up by Germany to take part in World Cup fitness tests next week. The 32-year-old has suffered a series of knee injuries and has not played for Germany since 2004.
(Source: Reuters)
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20 April 2006
Klinsmann does not intend to include Scholl
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Klinsmann indicated on Thursday that he did not intend to include Mehmet Scholl in the 2006 World Cup squad although Klinsmann was aware of Scholl's recent form. Klinsmann said: "We are delighted by Mehmet's performances at Bayern over the last few weeks ... But our main focus is the tight group of 28 to 30 players. These have the priority."
Veteran playmaker Mehmet Scholl has capped for Germany 36 times and is now 35 years old playing for Bayern Munich. He was one of the few German player who can offer some creative flair in midfield. The German National Team is in need of Scholl's unique skill especially after Sebastian Deisler was ruled out from the 2006 World Cup by injury.
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14 April 2006
Mourinho is a fan of beleaguered Klinsmann
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Klinsmann, under fire for poor results and his decision to keep living in the United States, has received support from Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho who said "I am a Klinsmann fan ... I admire him for his courage. He's got a strong personality. He believes in young talent and promotes players like (Robert) Huth, (Bastian) Schweinsteiger, (Lukas) Podolski and (Philipp) Lahm. And he doesn't change his ideas just because he loses a game. That's great."
(Source: Reuters)
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10 April 2006
Kahn: I will play for Germany in 2006 World Cup
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German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn decided to carry on as an international despite being ruled out as the number one goalkeeper for the 2006 World Cup.
He said in a news conference in Muunich, "I think it's important for the national team for me to be there, despite my disappointment."
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10 April 2006
Beckenbauer u-turn: Germany can win World Cup
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Franz Beckenbauer moved his position after a public spat with Juergen Klinsmann this week by saying he now believes Germany can win the World Cup this summer.
Earlier Beckenbauer turned the heat up on Germany coach Klinsmann saying the World Cup hosts had not improved with him in charge.
But on Thursday he said he believed the host nation could lift their fourth title with Klinsmann in charge, "There is no question that Germany can win the World Cup. They are a young if inexperienced team and their strength lies in the support they need and surely will get from the home crowd ... I am optimistic that Juergen Klinsmann will be able to put together a very good team for the World Cup and because of the home advantage, Germany can win it."
(Source: Reuters)
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9 April 2006
Klinsmann considers extending stint with Germany
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Facing criticism does not stop Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann from thinking he might extend his contract after the World Cup.
"It is a possibility that I might remain the national coach after the World Cup," the former Germany striker told Thursday's issue of soccer magazine Kicker.
Klinsmann, under scrutiny for a 4 - 1 friendly defeat by Italy last week, was scolded by Franz Beckenbauer for returning home to California instead of attending a World Cup workshop.
"I knew exactly what the workshop was about and we took this decision (to send assistant coach Joachim Loew)," Klinsmann said of his absence from the meetings in Duesseldorf on Monday and Tuesday.
"We can live with the consequences."
Since taking the top job in August 2004, Klinsmann has been commuting between his native Germany and his home in southern California.
"Since the Bundesliga restarted after the winter break I spent three weeks out five in Germany," Klinsmann told Kicker. "This is not a schedule I have to apologise for."
DFB vice-president Hans-Georg Moldenhauer said that where Klinsmann lives would play a role if he were to be offered a new contract after the June 9-July 9 finals in Germany.
"I still believe that it works perfectly," Klinsmann said of his controversial decision to keep living in the United States.
"Whether I remain in charge will depend on whether we are successful at the World Cup, not on where I live."
(Source: Reuters)
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7 April 2006
Klismann: Lehmann will be the no. 1 GK for Germany in 2006 World Cup
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Klinsmann has named Jens Lehmann as Germany's first choice goalkeeper for the 2006 World Cup ahead of former captain Oliver Kahn.
He said "This was the most difficult decision of my time as coach ... After the game against the United States we looked at the developments in the last 22 months very closely and we now reached a decision ... Oliver still had the edge in August but Jens made progress over the past few months and we thought he was now slightly ahead."
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6 April 2006
Klinsmann skipped World Cup meeting
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Klinsmann skipped a meeting of top officials from all 32 World Cup finalists to discuss technical issues and returned home to California.
Germany's organising committee president Beckenbauer, who always supported Klinsmann before this incident, was angry and disappointed, he commented "It's incredible that he's not here ... As host country you have to be here. Nearly all the coaches are here. Carlos Alberto Parreira came from Brazil, Sven-Goran Eriksson came from England, but our head coach is not here ... (Klinsmann) should have been here. This is an obligatory meeting and he does not have all that many meetings that are obligatory ... I don't want to say anything more about it because the more I think about it, the more drastic my choice of words will become."
It led to a new flare-up of media and public rage at Klinsmann's decision to stay based in the United States ahead of the tournament. Many Bundesliga coaches and German officials argue Klinsmann should be in Germany to watch matches each week.
However, Klinsmann rebutted the criticism. He told Bild newspaper "I was in Germany for three of the last five weeks after the Bundesliga started up after the winter break ... I've got my plan with everything necessary for the World Cup preparations ... I've seen matches almost every weekend this winter, but I'm not someone who puts himself in the forefront." He also said that he spends half of each month in Germany and communicates with players and coaches via emails and telephone calls.
Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff backed the coach, saying he and assistant coach Joachim Loew were handling all the issues for Klinsmann.
(Source: Reuters)
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22 March 2006
March Report: Germany vs United States 4 - 1
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Germany produced a sparkling second-half performance to beat the United States 4 - 1 in this friendly match.
Bastian Schweinsteiger floated over a free kick that evaded everyone and crept past Kasey Keller for the opener just seconds after coming on as a substitute in the 46th minute.
Oliver Neuville then blasted in a half-volley outside the area in 73 minute.
At 77 minute, Klose scored the third goal and Michael Ballack (see photo on the right) headed the fourth from Klose's cross 3 minutes later.
Steve Cherundolo then pulled one back for the United States with a fortunate goal after crashing into Oliver Kahn five minutes from the end.
Since this was the match following the landsliding defeact by Italy in early March, so this victory over the USA was very crucial for releasing the pressure of Klinsmann and the German National Team, as Klinsmann said: "We are delighted to get the win tonight. It has not been pleasant getting so much criticism but you have to live with it ... Franz Beckenbauer advised me not to read any newspapers before the finals and I think I will do that!"
Klinsmann added: "This win will allow us to carry on in the next few weeks in a much calmer atmosphere."
After the match, Klinsmann also announced his team will play an additional friendly before the start of the World Cup in June. "We have had only eight days with the team this year and we need more time, especially for tactical issues ... The most work will be done in the training camp in May and we will stage another friendly on May 27 ... We need the preparation and the three-and-a-half weeks to get the team where we want it to be".
He also commented that "Every player has improved since Euro 2004 so we look to continue the very positive overall development." When asked about the chance to win the World Cup 2006 after the earlier 1 - 4 defeat by Italy, he said "We are one out of 32 countries and yes we can win the World Cup but we will take one step at a time."
Klinsmann also hinted that the results of these two friendly matches might not be a true indicator for the team, he said: "The 4-1 defeat in Italy was not as bad as some people said it was and this 4-1 victory against the United States may not be as good as some people will say."
(Source: AFP, Reuters)
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Ballack after scoring the 4th goal
Klinsmann (left) on the bench during the match
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20 March 2006
Klinsmann: It is possible for us to win the World Cup
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In an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine newspaper, Klinsmann suggested that Germany could win the World Cup. He said: "The World Cup title is not an illusion ... Otherwise Greece was an illusion. Greece were crowned European champions in 2004 and we have good conditions at this World Cup ... We can come through the group stage and anything can happen in the knockout stage ... We have home advantage. If we played against Brazil ten times we would probably lose six times and win twice. But one of those times will be at the World Cup."
(Source: AFP)
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18 March 2006
Deisler's World Cup dream is over
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Germany midfielder Sebastian Deisler (photo on the right) will miss the 2006 World Cup because of a knee injury, the German Football Association (DFB) said today. Deisler sustained the injury in a clash with his Bayern Munich teammate, England midfielder Owen Hargreaves, in training on Tuesday.
Since Deisler was one of few truly creative players in Germany, so his injury will definitely affect Klinsmann's preparaton for the World Cup. Klinsmann explained: "He [Deisler] played an important role in my World Cup plans but now it's over."
(Source: Reuters)
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15 March 2006
Only 3% of Germans believe in their national team
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After Germany was severely defeated by Italy in early March, Germans started to lose confidence in their team.
According to a poll (to be released tomorrow), only 3% of Germans believe the host can win the 2006 World Cup. At the end of February, a similar poll had 9% believing Germany would win the 9 July final.
Moreover, 17% of the 1,000 Germans polled by the Forsa institute for the Stern weekly believe Germany will not get past the Group stage.
However, Germans still have confidence in Klinsmann as 66% of them thought Klinsmann should stay in charge even if the national team lose their next warm-up game against the USA on 22 March in Dortmund.
(Source: Reuters)
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14 March 2006
Friedrich and Kehl are called up by Klinsmann for the first time
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Klinsmann had for the first time called up Manuel Friedrich (26-year-old FSV Mainz defender, uncapped) and Sebastian Kehl (26-year-old Dortmund defensive midfielder, capped 24 times and played in the 2002 World Cup but yet to be picked up by Klinsmann since August 2004) for the next friendly match against the USA. The game will be played on 22 March 2006.
(Source: Reuters)
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1 March 2006
March Report: Italy vs Germany 4 - 1
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Klinsmann suffered a tremendous setback in his preparation for the 2006 World Cup as his team was heavily defeated by Italy by 4-1 in Florence today.
The young defence partner Huth and Mertesacker could not effectively stopped the attack from Italy costing the loss of two early goals in the first 10 minutes (Gilardino at 5' and Toni at 7'). Italy then scored their third goal just before the end of the first half (De Rossi at 39'). Del Piero completed Italy's score by scoring their fourth goal in the beginning of the second half (at 57').
Huth pulled one back for Germany at 82' just to make this defeat look better.
After this game, Klinsmann was severely criticized for ignorning the defence and using a young defence. There was also suggestion from the media that Klinsmann should be fired if he lost the next international friendly with the United States.
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