Germany’s World Cup goes on, but their second phase encounter with Algeria would produce yet another dramatic chapter in what has so far been an incredible tournament – arguably the best for a long time, possibly since Mexico 1986. Expected
Pandemonium and Panic in Porto Alegre
Having safely negotiated what had been dubbed the “Group of Death”, Joachim Löw’s German side now meet Algeria, runners-up behind Belgium in a group that would also include Russia and South Korea. It is a repeat of the infamous meeting
Selection Shenanigans: Jogi’s Dilemma
I had promised to just watch every match as it comes and not get too involved in the ongoing discussions regarding the selection choices and tactical decisions being made by Nationaltrainer Jogi Löw, but as the tournament enters the knockout
The Ghosts of Gijón
A few hours after the 1-0 win over the United States in their final group game, Germany’s opponents in the second phase would be determined. Having fallen behind to an early goal in their final game against Russia, Algeria would
Order Restored in Rainy Recife
It is a very wet afternoon on Brazil’s north-eastern coast, with the city of Recife being hit by a massive rainstorm that has brought widespread flooding to the area. Reports and images coming in before the match have shown flooded
Back to the Classroom
It happens nearly every time we watch a major international tournament. The first four group games are over, the final two remain, and we all run away back to the classroom and a subject many of us hated – numbers,
A lucky point, defensive frailties, and the Marvellous Miroslav Klose
We’re well into the group stage of the World Cup now, and already we have had a number of shocks. Holders Spain and former champions England are both already out, and Costa Rica have beaten Italy, a feat no German
CR7, Pepe, Figo, Eusébio, António Salazar, Nelly Furtado… We gave your guys one hell of a right royal beating!
Time now for video blog number three, having given myself a few days to sober up and calm down after the fantastic 4-0 thrashing of Portugal to get the the Nationalmannschaft’s World Cup off to a cracking start. A Thomas
Germany v Portugal: Match Analysis and Player Ratings
In the weeks leading up to the World Cup, the mood in Germany and among supporters of the Nationalmannschaft would be laced with the usual dose of pre-tournament pessimism. In recent campaigns there would be always be at least one
Slaughter in Salvador: It’s Müller Time as Portugal are Pummelled
So finally, the show begins with the opening match against Portugal. It’s a bright afternoon in Salvador, the port city in north-east of Brazil and capital of the Bahia region. It is the second game to be played at the
So it begins…
Finally, after all the pre-tournament hype, we have seen some football. The opening game would see the hosts Brazil record a 3-1 win over Croatia, but the score would not really reflect what had happened over the ninety minutes. Two
Yet another Group of Death
Yes, it’s getting a little boring now. While some seeded teams would get away with some really easy groups – I’m looking at you, Argentina and Belgium – Germany would again end up with a stinker. In short, yet another