I think I will not be mistaken if I say that the game between German and Yugoslavian national teams was obviously the best in the championship preliminaries. It was full of tension, drama and perfect soccer skills.
I am sure German coach Bertie Foggs supposed that the Yugoslavs would attack from the very first minute, but no one expected such a storm. Moreover, the Germans looked a little depressed and their usually strong and powerful defense looked bad in the game. Andreas Kopke, the regular goalkeeper for the German national team also looked very uncertain.
Some might say that the German team was lucky to tie the game. Losing zero to two is definitely too much for a team of this level, but they managed to score two goals back after such a knockdown. The Germans remain Germans. Once again they showed that their opponents cannot relax even if two goals ahead. Luck is luck, but German skills still pay.
The indefatigable JЯrgen Klinsmann could have scored by the end of the game, but this time the Yugoslavs turned out lucky. Probably Foggs should have sent Matteus in earlier, because his partners started playing a better game with him in the field, but the experienced coach probably decided to save the veteran for further battles, considering all the injuries this perfect player had suffered during his soccer career.
In a post-game interview Foggs said he was angry at some of his players for not understanding that they were playing for the World Cup.
Anyway, these two teams will most definitely pass to the 1/8 finals. Their potential is great, and further play most certainly depends on them.
Reuters Photo:
The Golden head of the German team Oliver Birchhoff earns respect once more







