| FOOTBALL CAREER OF JURGEN KLINSMANN |
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LATEST NEWS of KLINSMANN
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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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Klinsmann's coach career at a glance
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| Summary: |
| W |
2 |
0 |
D |
0 |
8 |
L |
0 |
6 |
F |
8 |
1 |
A |
4 |
3 |
| Klinsmann's last 3 games: |
Date |
Match |
Home |
Score |
Away |
| 08/07/06 |
WC06 |
Ger |
3 - 1 |
Por |
| 04/07/06 |
WC06 |
Ger |
0 - 2 |
Ita |
| 30/06/06 |
WC06 |
Ger |
1 - 1 |
Arg |
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External Links to More News
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9 August 2006 (WED)
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Klinsmann seized Kicker's award for coach
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In a poll organized by Kicker magazine, Klinsmann was voted the Coach of the Year with 392 votes. Hamburg's Thomas Doll and Mainz's Jurgen Klopp came second and third with 98 votes and 94 votes respectively.
(Source: AFP)
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18 July 2006 (TUE)
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Klinsmann will not receive the Order of Merit personally
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Klinsmann was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. However, he decided not to attend the award ceremony to be held on 14 August. Klinsmann commented: "I feel honored ... But I won't receive it personally. I still need some space ... [August 14] is two days before the first national team match after the World Cup - others should be the focus there."
Germany will play an international friendly match with Sweden on 16 August.
Some information regarding the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany: it was "instituted in 1951 by Federal President Theodor Heuss. It is the only honour that may be awarded in all fields of endeavour and is the highest tribute the Federal Republic of Germany can pay to individuals for services to the nation.
The Order of Merit may be awarded to Germans as well as foreigners for achievements in the political, economic, social or intellectual realm and for all kinds of outstanding services to the nation in the field of social, charitable or philanthropic work. No pecuniary reward is attached." (from Der Bundesprasident, at http://www.bundespraesident.de/The-role-of-the-Federal-Presid/Work-in-Germany-,11180/The-Order-of-Merit-of-the-Fede.htm)
(Source: AP)
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14 July 2006 (FRI)
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US Soccer Federation: Klinsmann is a potential successor of US Coach Arena
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US Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati announced that the present US coach Bruce Arena will not be retained once his contract expires at the end of the year and the US Soccer Federation is now seeking suitable candidates to take over Arena's job. Gulati explained: "We've not talked to any potential coaches. We will start that process now ...
The search will be worldwide but I think there is a big advantage to knowing something about the American soccer setup. What works in Brazil is not going to work in America necessarily."
Gulati hinted that Klinsmann was one of their targeted candidates to take over Arena. He said: "I'm sure I will talk to Jurgen [Klinsmann] ... He's a very interesting coach who lives in America and has expressed a desire to remain in America. A lot of people believe he would be a good candidate."
He commented that Klinsmann fulfilled all the requirements to be the US coach. He added: "Does Juergen Klinsmann fit all those criteria? I think he probably does ... He has a much better handle on the American soccer scene than someone who hasn't spent a lot of time here and he's a guy who wants to learn."
However, Gulati also expressed that Klinsmann's interest in coaching the US National Soccer Team will be a crucial factor, he said: "If we decide to pursue him [Klinsmann], his complete lack of interest would be an obstacle."
(Source: AFP)
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12 July 2006 (WED)
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Germany jumps by 10 to reach the 9th in world rankings
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The latest FIFA World Ranking was released today. Since Germany got the third place in the 2006 World Cup, so it jumped up by 10 position to the 9th.
The top 20 teams are as follow (the number following the team name is the points of that team and the number inside bracket is the change from the team's position in May 2006):
1. Brazil 1630 (0)
2. Italy 1550 (+11)
3. Argentina 1472 (+6)
4. France 1462 (+4)
5. England 1434 (+5)
6. Netherlands 1322 (-3)
7. Spain 1309 (-2)
8. Portugal 1301 (-1)
9. Germany 1229 (+10)
10. Czech Republic 1223 (-8)
11. Nigeria 1149 (0)
12. Cameroon 1109 (+3)
13. Switzerland 1028 (+22)
14. Uruguay 985 (+8)
15. Ukraine 961 (+30)
16. United States 933 (-11)
17. Denmark 927 (-6)
18. Mexico 924 (-14)
19. Paraguay 915 (+14)
20. Ivory Coast 909 (+12)
(Source: FIFA.com, at http://www.fifa.com/en/mens/statistics/index/0,2548,118178,00.html?articleid=118178)
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12 July 2006 (WED)
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Klinsmann confirms not to extend his contract
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Finally, it is the time to say goodbye. In a news conference in Frankfurt today, Klinsmann confirmed he will not continue to coach Germany.
Klinsmann explained: "This certainly has not been an easy decision ... My great wish is to go home to be with my family, to return to a normal life with my family ... A further important reason is that, in the wake of these two years, I've lost a lot of strength (dealing) with the functionaries and at this moment I don't feel able to continue this work. I feel internally burned out. I owe it to myself to take a six-month holiday now. I won't do anything else."
"After the Italy game I fell into a hole, but then you have to get up because you have the responsibility to lead the players on to try to do something great, which happened ... But after it was all over I realised I needed a long time to reflect, to process what has happened ... The next international game is in four weeks, and that is too soon for me. I have had two years of highs and lows, of strong emotions."
"My decision wouldn't have been different even if we had won the World Cup title."
He also denied the possibility of coaching the USA National Soccer Team, he said: "There is neither interest nor contact."
He added:
"It was the most beautiful World Cup ever. We've created a new image of the Germans around the world."
"I want to thank everyone, especially the fans, who pushed us along to this fantastic success."
"I hope that no one's heart will be broken by this ... Now let's look to the future. We'll have a lot of fun watching this team."
As to his players in the German National Soccer Team, Klinsmann said:
"I did not manage to reach all of the players last night. I will call them over the next few days to thank every one to thank them for this incredible experience."
"I have promised Joachim and the players that I am always there for them, not just in a professional capacity but as a person."
Joachim Loew (now 46 years old), the present assistant coach who worked closely with Klinsmann over the past two years, will take over Klinsmann as the head coach of Germany for a two-year term until after the 2008 European Championship. Loew said he would continue with the philosophy that he and Klinsmann put in place.
As to Loew's appointment, Klinsmann commented that: "The only sensible option has been to ask Joachim to lead them further. I am very glad that he has taken up this challenge ... I have always said that he was much more than an assistant trainer. He was always a firm partner. My role was perhaps that of a supervisor."
(Source: AFP, Reuters, AP)
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Klinsmann (left) and Loew (right) at the news conference in Frankfurt
Another picture taken at the news conference in Frankfurt
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11 July 2006 (TUE)
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Klinsmann will not extend his contract
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Just when we are still cheering for the rejuvenation of German National Team, Klinsmann gave us the bad news.
German newspapers, Bild (preivew of Wednesday edition) and Suddeutsche Zeitung, reported that Klinsmann had told the German football federation (DFB) Tuesday he will not extend his contract and will not stay in German National Team as head coach.
(Source: AP, AFP, Reuters)
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11 July 2006 (TUE)
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Performance of Germany in WC06
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Click here to read some statistics showing the performance of Germany under Klinsmann's regime.
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10 July 2006 (MON)
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Klinsmann links with the USA
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Below is an extract from a recent entry in MatchNight (a US soccer news network):
Multiple sources have informed MatchNight in recent days that the United States Soccer Federation has offered the United States National Team head coaching position to Juergen Klinsmann, who recently led Germany to a third-place finish in the 2006 World Cup.
In the scenario, the Federation would employ a power triangle consisting of Klinsmann at the National Team boss, with Sigi Schmid as his assistant. Current National Team manager Bruce Arena would be promoted inside the Federation into an as-yet-unnamed role consisting of overseeing national youth development.
(Source: MatchNight, by Shane Murphy, 10 July 2006, "USSF Considering Power Troika Moving Toward 2010", at http://www.matchnight.com/?Page=ARTICLE&articleid=19450)
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10 July 2006 (MON)
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Six reasons why Klinsmann may not stay with Germany
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While we are still guessing whether Klinsmann will stay with Germany, Erik Kirschbaum of Reuters suggested "six key reasons" Klinsmann may not stay with Germany:
- Klinsmann was always unpredictable and unconventional during his playing career -- he almost never stayed anywhere for more than two years and left some clubs, such as Tottenham Hotspur, after just one season to move on.
- He is close to his family and cherishes his anonymous life in California.
- The German Football Association (DFB) has caused him much grief in two years, challenging his decisions, denying several staff requests and hiring some executive personnel he opposes.
- Klinsmann has faced constant media second-guessing and criticism over his California home base from newspapers.
- He knows it will be hard to duplicate the success he has had in taking Germany to the World Cup semi-finals.
- Above all -- he does not need the money.
(Source: Reuters, by Erik Kirschbaum, 10 July 2006, "Free-spirit Klinsmann may leave Germany with a void", at http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=reu-worldgermanyklinsmann_picture&prov=reuters&type=lgns)
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10 July 2006 (MON)
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Bid price for Klinsmann car plunges
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Below is the extract from an interesting news on Klinsmann's old car, Volkswagen Beetle:
The bidding price for a 39-year-old Volkswagen Beetle that once belonged to Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann has plunged after the seller introduced strict controls to exclude non-genuine bids.
The top bidding price for the 1967 VW convertible fell from a quoted 300,050 euros on Saturday to 5,605 euros on Monday ahead of Tuesday's close of bidding after interested parties were required to register and prove they were serious.
"Unfortunately there were some offers made by people who were not serious," wrote the car's owner, who lives in a Stuttgart suburb, in the internet auction eBay. "The changes were made to give only serious bidders a chance."
Klinsmann, who coached Germany to third place at the World Cup, drove the car in 1994 and 1995 while at Tottenham Hotspur. Klinsmann has said he would not recommend bidding for the car that was already rusty when he gave it away 10 years ago.
(Source: Reuters, 10 July 2006, "Bid price for Klinsmann car plunges")
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9 July 2006 (SUN)
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Klose wins the Golden Shoe Award
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Since the only possible contender, Henry (of France), could not score any goal in today's World Cup Final, Klose became the 2006 World Cup top scorer automatically (ie winner of the Golden Shoe Award).
Klose had scored 5 goals in this tournament and together with his 5 other goals in the 2002 World Cup, he now had a total of 10 World Cup goals (1 goal behind Klinsmann's record).
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9 July 2006 (SUN)
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FIFA President Blatter: I hope he will stay
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FIFA President Sepp Blatter also joined in the Klinsmann-must-stay campaign.
After Germany's victory over Portugal, Blatter said: "I hope that he'll stay longer, they've achieved something here ... With their beautiful and attacking style, they've done something for football ... I'll tell him to stay but he has to decide. The whole country wants him to stay but he has to decide himself."
(Source: Reuters)
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8 July 2006 (SAT)
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Match Report: Germany vs Portugal 3-1
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Congratulation Klinsmann! Germany had won the third place of the 2006 World Cup by beating Portugal with a convincing performance and scoreline of 3-1.
In this "might-be-the-last-match" of Klinsmann, Germany suffered the most serious injury blow in this tournament - this showed how hard the German players were playing in this World Cup. Just one day before the match, Klinsmann had already known he would miss Ballack, Mertesacker and Friedrich. However, just before the match, Klinsmann lost two more players which were Huth and Borowski.
So, Klinsmann had to make 5 changes in his lineup. In the goal, Lehmann was as earlier indicated replaced by Kahn (who captained and played well in this match and was lucky enough to prevent an own goal by blocking the header from Metzelder). In the midfield, Ballack was replaced by Kehl (who had already featured in the starting lineup in the semi-finals against Italy and played well in the last and this match).
In the defence, Friedrich was replace by Lahm whose left-back position was taken over by Jansen (this game was his World Cup debut and his was a bit nervous in this match) and Mertesacker was replaced by Nowotny (who showed himself a solid central defender and also participated in attack occasionally).
As usual, Germany started strong which was Klinsmann's style throughout this tournament. The host first chance came in the 5th minute. Schneider whipped in a free-kick from the right and it was headed down by Metzelder into the path of Kehl who fired the ball narrowly wide from just inside the area.
Then, in the 8th minute, the leading tournament scorer, Klose, hit the side-netting with his right-footed effort. Klose obviously was looking forward to score a goal in this match in order to secure the Golden Boot Award.
Portugal also had a golden chance in the first half but Pauleta's shoot at aroud 8 yard was saved by Kahn confidently.
The apex of the game came in the 56th minute when Schweinsteiger moved inside from the left-hand side and unleashed a right-footed piledriver from the edge of the area which deceived Ricardo and the ball flew through the keeper's arms to give Germany the lead.
Lahm could have increased the lead by a volley 4 minutes later but his shoot dipped over the bar by inches.
Then, in the 61th minute, Germany really increased their lead by an own goal as Schweinsteiger's low free-kick was deflected into his own net by Petit (Portugal midfielder).
Klose was then substituted by Neuville 4 minutes later. If Henry (of France) cannot score a hat-trick in the Final, then Klose will become the tournament's top scorer.
In the 71th minute, Hanke came onto the pitch to replace Podolski. This was the World Cup debut for Hanke. He and Neuville could have created one to two chances to score but it might be too demanding to require Hanke to score in his World Cup debut.
In the 78th minute, Germany further increased their lead by a counter attack. Schweinsteiger received the ball on the left and moved inside to fire a piledriver again near the edge of the box and scored again! No doubt, Schweinsteiger was named the Man of the Match after scoring two beautiful goals and forcing an own goal from Portugal.
Immediately after this goal, Schweinsteiger was replaced by Hitzlsperger. This was also the World Cup debut for Hitzlsperger. It was clear that Klinsmann intended to let all his players to taste the flavour and fever of the World Cup. Hildebrand, who was the third choice goalkeeper, was the only unfortunate member of the German squad who could not play in this tournament.
Just before the end of the match, the effort of two substitutes of the Portuguese (Figo, who crossed from the right, and Nuno Gomes, who scored with a diving header) produced a consolation goal for Portugal in the 88th minute making the final scoreline 3-1.
After the match, the players and staff of Germany went onto the stage to receive their third place medal. TV boardcast showed everyone in the German National Team and every fan in the Stuttgart stadium were happy about with their performance and winning the third place in the tournament.
Klinsmann had the following comment after the match:
"It's impossible to put into words what happened here this evening. You can't top that. The fans were fantastic, and the team played like men possessed. I'm so incredibly proud that the team managed to put in such an excellent performance. We're going to celebrate this all night long.
Afterwards, I'll need a few days to let all this sink in and fully comprehend the extent of what we managed to achieve."
"It was an entertaining game, and both teams had their chances. The way Bastian Schweinsteiger turned the whole game with those three shots is the kind of amazing thing that can only happen in football. After the match, Franz Beckenbauer came up to me and said, 'You have to carry on'.
I told him, 'We'll see'. As a young coach, it really is special to receive praise from greats of the game like Beckenbauer, Eusebio and Luiz Felipe Scolari."
"So many things have happened to us, and we could never have imagined things panning out the way they did. I need a few days to myself now. I'm overwhelmed, I'm happy, and I can hardly come to terms with it all. The lads played so well over the past four weeks."
"Over the last two years, I have built up a relationship with this particular generation of players. Everyone of us has made progress in our respective fields, and I've also established a friendship with everyone of them."
At last, Klinsmann's first World Cup coaching journey ended in a happy mood.
(Source: FIFAworldcup.com)
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Schweinsteiger (left) after scoring the 1st goal
Klinsmann was delighted after scoring the 2nd goal
Germany's players celebrate after the medal ceremony
Klinsmann and his 3rd Place medal
Congratulation to Germany and to Klinsmann. Where was Klinsmann inside the photo?
Thousands of German soccer fans wait in front of the team hotel of the German National Team after they won the World Cup third place match
Klinsmann celebrating with fans at the "Fan Mile" in Berlin on 9 July 2006
| Statistics |
| Team |
Ger |
Por |
| Score |
3 |
1 |
| Shots (on target) |
12(5) |
13(8) |
| Possession |
43% |
57% |
| Free Kicks |
3 |
3 |
| Corner Kicks |
2 |
7 |
| Offsides |
1 |
3 |
| Fouls |
15 |
15 |
| Yellow Cards |
2 |
3 |
| Red Cards |
0 |
0 |
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7 July 2006 (FRI)
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Podolski is awarded the Best Young Player of WC06 and four other players are named in All Star Team
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Podolski was named Gillette Best Young Player today. Klinsmann commented that: "It proves how well he is doing and how much he has come on in the last two years.
He had already showed some of his potential last year at the FIFA Confederations Cup, and he has gone on to confirm this 12 months later at the World Cup. We're just really happy for him."
Meanwhile, four other German players were named in the Mastercard All Star Team, they were: Lehmann, Lahm, Ballack and Klose.
(Source: FIFAworldcup.com)
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7 July 2006 (FRI)
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Klinsmann: I need more time to decide
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Klinsmann responded to the issue about his future today in a news conference. He said he needed more time to decide whether he will continue to coach the German National Team and explained that: "I'd rather be getting these compliments for the job we've done than put up with a debate about where I live but at the end of the day I'll make a decision together with my family ...
My situation depends on my family issues it has nothing to do with any authority I have or don't have (in the German Football Federation) ... I just have to clear this up with my family. The team is there and could carry on the way its going now."
(Source: Reuters)
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7 July 2006 (FRI)
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Match preview: Germany vs Portugal
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Finally it comes to Germany's last match in the 2006 World Cup. Germany will fight with Portugal for the third place in this match. Will it be the last match of Germany coached by Klinsmann? Hope not!
This game will play in Stuttgart, where Klinsmann first played professional soccer, tomorrow at 21:00 (CET).
Klinsmann will not have the best team for his disposal in the coming match and the following players are likely to miss the match: Ballack (calf injury), Mertesacker (heel operation), Friedrich (strained knee ligaments), Lahm (injury) and Borowski (doubtful due to injury). So, Huth and Jansen (not yet played in this tournament) will be in the starting lineup.
In the news conference held today, Klinsmann also confirmed that Kahn will take over Lehmann in the coming match and praised Kahn saying: "We have a lot to thank Oliver [Kahn] for at this World Cup ... He's been a great influence on the young players and he's deserved a place in the team." Lehmann was also happy with this arrangement.
Moreover, Klose will also be in the starting lineup despite some earlier doubt on his calf problem. Klinsmann said: "Klose will definitely play from the start ... I hope he gets a goal or two to make sure [he will be the tournament's top scorer]."
Klinsmann admitted that he had not yet decided his future in the national team but he wanted to focus on the next match for the time being. He explained: "I'd like to take a day or two off after the World Cup and sit down with my family to decide where to go from here.
Before that, though, the only thing that I will be thinking about is the match against Portugal ... It is another wonderful experience for us, and we want to be fully focused. We want to beat them. The most important thing is that there is now a squad in place that is full of confidence and can look to the future in positive fashion and carry on playing with confidence."
As to his thought on the third-place play-off, Klinsmann commented: "Obviously it's not the Final, so it's not the match that we wanted ...
We all hoped that we would stay in Berlin and play the Final, but unfortunately, that didn't work out. Despite this, we'll be going all out, and the team will give everything they've got. We're playing for third place, in a World Cup, and that's not to be sniffed at. Now, we've just got to summon up all our remaining strength and give the fans another great match to enjoy."
And the team was also ready to fight for the third place as Klinsmann said: "The mood is becoming upbeat again ... One way or another, we've all managed to get over the shock of what happened against the Italians. We want to come third. We're going to hang in there and give it all we've got once again."
(Source: Reuters, FIFAworldcup.com)
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6 July 2006 (THU)
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Beckenbauer: Klinsmann should stay
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After Germany was defeated by Italy in the semi-finals, the future of Klinsmann had became the hottest news.
Although Klinsmann could not bring the glory of the World Cup to the host, he had already won the heart of the German fans by turning Germany into an energetic and aggressive team with great potential. As his contract will end after the World Cup, so Klinsmann was urged by the top officials of the Germany Football Association (DFB), the national team players and the German fans to stay with the national team.
Beckenbauer urged Klinsmann to stay again. He told reporters today: "The team has faith in him, he has faith in the team, and those are the best possible conditions ... I think he should stay on. He should finish what he's started."
On the other hand, among 1,002 Germans polled on 5 July by the Forsa research institute, 93 per cent said they wanted Klinsmann to continue and 95 per cent said they were proud of the team's FIFA World Cup performance.
However, Klinsmann was still undecided because he wanted to discuss this issue with his California-based family after the World Cup.
(Source: Reuters)
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5 July 2006 (WED)
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German media are pleased with the performance of the National Team despite defeat in semi-finals
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Although Germany was defeat by Italy in the World Cup semi-final, German media did not criticize Klinsmann and his team and responded to the defeat positively.
The followings are the response of the German media summed up by FIFAworldcup.com:
From Bild: "Unlucky lads! You battled like world champions. Germany's dream of winning the World Cup has been shattered. It would have been brilliant, but now we'll take third place on Saturday, and none of us is complaining. We say this to Klinsi and all his lads: Thanks for a fantastic World Cup. We're weeping with you! Over the last few weeks, the Germans have rediscovered a love for their country and for their football team, and that's here to stay. The ruthless Italians were just a fraction stronger in a fantastic, intense, top-class match. Chin up, lads! Italy were (still) just too good for us."
From: Kicker: "Italy sealed a not undeserved place in the Final thanks to goals in the 119th and 121st minutes. Unlucky Germany showed outstanding bravery, but were ultimately forced to concede defeat to the ruthless and clinical Azzurri."
From Express: "The dream lies in tatters! But chin up, and no moaning. We've lost the semi-final by the narrowest of margins, but we won't be downhearted. We are Germany, and we're the moral world champions!"
From Suddeutsche Zeitung: "Our wonderful odyssey to the stars is over, ended by a clean, down-to-earth shot by Fabio Grosso to put Italy 1-0 up in the 119th minute of the World Cup semi-final. Did anyone notice the second goal after that? The path leading to this bitter end, on the 52nd anniversary of the 'Miracle of Bern', was long and hard, and the German players used up all the luck set aside for them in this and indeed in the next life."
From Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung: "An abrupt end to a glorious journey: even on returning to their team base in Berlin, the German players' faces were still wet with tears."
From Sport1.de: "Following the second goal, the final knock-out blow after 120 absorbing and dramatic minutes, most of the German players sank to the turf and wept like children. It was left to the fans, outstanding yet again, to put their devastation to one side and console the team with chants of "Deutschland" and standing ovations. Moving scenes followed, the crowd rising as one to sing "You'll never walk alone" as the players thanked them for their support throughout the tournament. The refreshing and attractive style introduced by Klinsmann represents a major step forward for German football, but that was no consolation to anyone on a night filled with tears."
(Source: FIFAworldcup.com at http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/060705/1/8l4q.html)
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5 July 2006 (WED)
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Beckenbauer: I hope he continues; Bierhoff: Give him time to consider
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After Germany was defeat by Italy in the World Cup semi-final, Beckenbauer said on Tuesday he hoped Klinsmann would continue to coach the national team. He said: "We trust him, the players trust him. I hope he continues."
However, Klinsmann said he needed some time to consider as he explained: "My own situation is not the most important thing right now. I need some time to let all of this sink in and some time to speak to my family."
Bierhoff, the team manager of German National Team and a good friend of Klinsmann, also suggested: "Putting pressure on Klinsmann now would be exactly the wrong thing to do ... I don't think anyone has doubts any more about Klinsmann but we have to leave him in peace and take a holiday. Then he'll decide."
(Source: Reuters, soccernet.com)
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4 July 2006 (TUE)
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Match Report: Germany vs Italy 0-0 (normal time) / 0-2 (extra time)
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"We are hugely disappointed" said Klinsmann after his team was defeated by Italy by two late goals in the 2006 World Cup semi-final.
This was a quick game and both teams had the chance to score but Italy had more chances and their chances were more threatening especially in the second half of extra time (Italy had two shots denied by the woodwork in the second half of extra time). Italy's defence was also more organized and concentrated (they conceded only 4 corners whereas Germany conceded 12). Therefore, a defeat by Italy was a reasonable, although disappointing, result.
In this game, Klinsmann made two changes to the starting lineup by replacing Frings (suspended)with Kehl (who in fact played quite well) and Schweinsteiger with Borowski. Besides, Klose (who usually played on the right hand side in the previous matches) was moved to the left.
The first real chance for Germany came in the 34th minute. Schneider, who was unmarked on the right-hand edge of the box, received an early cross from Klose and fired a shot a few inches over the crossbar.
Then in the beginning of the second half, Germany had their second chance to score. In the 50th minute, Klose skipped pass two Italy's defenders into the box but his ball was blocked by Buffon.
Podolski then produced the third scoring chance for Germany in the 61th minute when he turned around Materazzi and fired for goal near 6 yards. But this shot was again denied by Buffon's superb reflex save.
In the 82th minute, Germany was strangely awarded a free-kick right in the middle at the edge of the box. This free-kick was strange in that the location of the foul appeared (from TV boardcast) to be inside the box as both the fouling Italian player and the fouled German player were inside the box. But this might not be so controversial when looked from inside the pitch because no player was disputing this free-kick. This was a good chance for Germany but Ballack curled the ball high and wide.
The game then went to extra time. Klinsmann after the match told reporter that he had instructed his team to win in extra time, he said: "We tried our best to score during extra-time and that was our goal from the very first moment. We came close but we would never go into a game saying 'we have to secure a draw for a penalty shoot-out', that's not our mentality."
But in the whole extra time, Germany could only create one chance in the second half of extra time. At 111th minute, Podolski (who was unmarked on the left-hand edge of the box) received a low cross and fired a powerful shot which was denied by Buffon again superbly.
When everyone was expecting the game would be decided by penalty-shootout, Grosso (Italian left back) scored a beautiful the winning curler for Italy in the 119th minute. Though this goal would surely be the decider as there was only one minute left, Klinsmann's first action after losing this goal was clapping his hands and encouraging his team to fight for an equalizer in the last minute.
However, while Germany were still thinking how they could find the equalizer in the last minute, Del Piero was careful enough to score another goal for Italy to make it 2-0. These two late goals from Italy marked the end of Klinsmann's dream of the 2006 World Cup.
After the game Klinsmann commented that: "We're obviously very, very disappointed, no question about it, and that is to be expected when there is so much emotion involved and when it turns out that a dream has died. It really hurts when the other side delivers a knockout punch right before the final whistle �V that takes some coming to terms with.
Even we coaches need a moment to get over it. But I told the team straight after the match that they can be proud of themselves, that they've done so much and that they always pushed themselves to their limits. We showed that we can compete with the best teams in the world. We almost managed to score, and both teams had their chances, but we came up against an opponent who realised just before the end how to make the most of their opportunities and put the match out of our reach."
Although he had lost the game, Klinsmann still remembered to congratulate his opponent, he said: "Congratulations to Italy and to Marcello Lippi. All the best to them for the Final. What we now want to do is give a fantastic performance for our fans in the match for third place and play some good football. In any case, the tournament has already been a real success for us and we can feel very proud of ourselves.
There are players in the squad who have incredible potential and who are getting noticed on an international level. In a short space of time, they have made incredible progress. We can look to the future with a lot of optimism, and many of our squad have made a name for themselves on the international scene during the tournament."
As to his young team, Klinsmann also added: "It's a very young team and they did fantastically well throughout the tournament - the spirit and character they showed was amazing ... They played tremendously, they gave all their heart, and played passionate, attacking football ... The World Cup has been a huge success for the team and for the country and has shown a whole new German face to the world and that is something we can all be proud of."
Hope that Germany will play a good game in the match for third place and win the third place.
(Source: soccernet.com, FIFAworldcup.com)
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Klinsmann was very emotional during the match
German players were disappointed after the defeat
Klinsmann (middle) shaked hand with Italy's Materazzi (right) while consoling his players
| Statistics |
| Team |
Ger |
Ita |
| Score |
0 |
2 |
| Shots (on target) |
13(2) |
15(10) |
| Possession |
43% |
57% |
| Free Kicks |
1 |
1 |
| Corner Kicks |
4 |
12 |
| Offsides |
2 |
11 |
| Fouls |
21 |
19 |
| Yellow Cards |
2 |
1 |
| Red Cards |
0 |
0 |
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3 July 2006 (MON)
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Klinsmann praises American fitness instructor
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Mark Verstegen was the fitness instructor of the German National Team. He runs the Athletes' Performance group with centres in Arizona and California and was one of the first people hired by Klinsmann when he took over as Germany coach in August 2004. One of his job is to devise individual programmes for the national team players to follow when they were back at their clubs.
Klinsmann praised Verstegen and told the press today that "I was proud to get to know Mark ... I could see how good he was to work with ... We are convinced that football will become more and more focused on the individual. To make the team better, you make the individual better ... I can't overestimate the contribution Mark and his team have made ... Just ask the players and I'm sure they will only have praise for him."
(Source: Reuters)
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3 July 2006 (MON)
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Match preview: Germany vs Italy
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Germany will face Italy in the coming World Cup semi-final tomorrow at 21:00 (CET) in Dortmund.
Klinsmann this time will not have the full squad under his disposal because Frings had just received a two-match ban from FIFA's Disciplinary Committee today for the punch he aimed at Argentina's Julio Cruz at the end of the quarter-final penalty shoot-out. Although the ban for the second match is suspended for six months, Frings will definitely be out in next match.
Frings had played a crucial rule in defending the midfield in the previous games and he was also a familiar partner with Ballack in the midfield. Without Frings, the midfield of Germany will definitely be weakened especially in terms of tackling.
Although Klinsmann had expected Frings to be in the squad on Tuesday, he must make a change now. In fact, Klinsmann was always ready for such change as he said: "We always make contingency plans. It does not matter if someone drops out through suspension or injury, there is always someone to come in."
Borowski or Kehl are likely to take Frings' place according to Klinsmann's lineup in the previous matches.
As to his opponent, Klinsmann commented that "Italy are definitely one of the top teams in the world. It's not by chance that they've made it through to the semis" but "We know how we've got to play, though, and we're confident ... We can definitely overcome this next obstacle."
He was also confident in his team as he added: "I believe the confidence that we have built over the last six weeks is enough to win the next two games and become world champions ... We know we have the two biggest hurdles in front of us. But we want to go for it and hopefully make it to Sunday's final."
As to the team's style of play, Klinsmann said he would not change it: "Success is always the most important thing but we stand by our philosophy ... The fact that Argentina changed their team to combat us shows we have got a lot of respect from opponents ... We believe in the way we play and try to put opposition under pressure and push them back."
As to the psychological preparation of his team, Klinsmann commented that: "We always deal with the psychological impact. We prepared our team for coming further and we are at the stage where we have to prepare for things not going our way ... If we go a goal down - as we did against Argentina - we say to the players 'it is not a problem just keep going and believe in yourselves.'"
When asked to comment on the recent loss to Italy, Klinsmann said: "You are always going to get hammered when you lose 4-1 ... But friendlies are not that important and I always believed we could make it happen and go far in this tournament."
However, Ballack was less optimistic as he commented: "They [Italy] are a very strong opponent with a long streak and they have beaten us comfortably not a long time ago ... They dominated us, also on club level. Not long ago we lost 4-1 with the national team and also with Bayern Munich (in the Champions League) ... They have had a rough start to the tournament but they stuck to their system and it has always been enough to advance to the next round ...
Their win over the Ukraine was very impressive ... Actually, we have no chance ... Everything speaks against us, everything favours them ... Our chances are much worse than against Argentina and our hopes rest on the crowd ... The crowd will be behind us like a wall and support us until the very last minute ... We are in great shape. We'll see whether that will be enough or not. We have a lot of self-confidence, the team is very hungry."
(Source: PA, FIFAworldcup.com, AFP)
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2 July 2006 (SUN)
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Klinsmann to decide his future by 16 August
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Theo Zwanziger, the president of the German Football Federation (DFB), said today that Klinsmann would be given time to consider his future after the World Cup but must make a decision by 16 August on which the national team will play against Sweden.
He praised Klinsmann's performance as the German coach and said: "Klinsmann has installed a philosophy in this team and that needs to continue as we owe it to the fans - even if there is the risk it sometimes doesn't work ... Klinsmann's way is the right one and we want to continue with it."
(Source: AFP)
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