Germany’s dominance of World Cup football is
on par with the likes of Brazil and Italy with three wins, but it is their consistency
in finishing in the final four a record 12 times since the first tournament in
Uruguay in 1930 is most impressive. Among the national teams, Germany have
played the most World Cup matches, with 99, but surprisingly have played Brazil
only once at the tournament in the 2002 final in Japan.
Kahn and Nueur during Bayern Vs Schalke
Germany’s history of fine goalkeepers
continues with the likes of Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neur wearing the National
shirt in 36 appearances to date. The
German Football Association tradition of recognising and nurturing talent
early, and its their emphasis on international exposure and experience that
sets them apart from many. For all of Neuer’s vast 6ft 4in frame, he possesses
great flexibility and athleticism in and around the box.
It is the quality of goalkeeping stocks in
Germany have at their disposal that burdens the selectors with constant
selection headaches that many of the world’s football associations crave when
preparing for tournaments like the Euros and the World Cup. That internal competitiveness
has always lifted the bar with great rivalries such as the one between Oliver
Kahn and Jens Lehmann for the coveted number one shirt. Lehmann’s career was
filled with many highs for Germany but it was his relationship with the Arsenal
club and his membership of the famous unbeaten ‘Invincible’ squad of 2003-04 that
will long live in the memory of many football fans.
Who could forget Arsenal’s mad Jens !!
The desire of German keepers to play for
their country is what drives them to greatness, with their individual and team
records speaking for themselves. Oliver Kahn is among the greatest German
keepers to pull on the gloves and the endless vision of his fully outstretched go-go
gadget arm deflecting shot after shot in club and international football would
fill a highlight reel for weeks. Playing 86 games for his country and
captaining 49, showed just what an inspirational leader he was. He is the first
and only goalkeeper to win the prestigious FIFA ‘Golden Ball’ voted as the
player of the World Cup, but sadly failed to win the ultimate trophy with his
country.
The magic ingredient of success in German
Football is difficult to pinpoint, but perhaps it was the direction the German
Football Federation (GFA) took after their country’s disappointing quarterfinal
elimination from the 1962 World Cup tournament. The professional Bundeslegia
concept was hatched and eventually formed in 1964 strengthening a competition and
providing a path for young German players and keepers to hone their talent. The Bundeslegia it must be said is a solid
competition with a hugely loyal fan base that hardens players for the tough and
physical nature of the Euros, Champions League and ultimately the World Cup.
Germany’s return didn’t take long as they took on England in the 1966 final at
Wembley only to go down in the controversial encounter 4-2. A tough match for
keeper Hans Tilkowski who had to watch on in horror as the USSR linesmen
advised the referee that the ball had crossed the line. To this day goal-line
technology still dominates discussion after every tournament, and yet a modern
solution still seems a way off.
Hans Tilkowski
1970 saw the German side take revenge on the
English by sending them packing in the quarterfinals. The great Sepp Maier was
in goals for the semi final against Italy that is commonly referred to as the
“Game of the Century”. Josef ‘Sepp’ Maier was known as the “Cat from Anzing”
for his sharp reflexes and had an amazing international career lasting from
1966-79 with 95 appearances and four consecutive World Cups including the very
special home victory in 1974.
Germany rarely loses the skills and wisdom of
their goalkeeping talent with many of the greats continuing their great work by
coaching and mentoring young keepers long after ending their playing careers.
Maier enjoyed a long and successful career as goalkeeping coach with Germany
from 1988 up until his exit in 2004 following his much-publicised preference
for his prodigy Oliver Kahn over Jens Lehmann.
What is for certain is the dominance of German
keepers will continue long into many Euro and World Cup tournaments in the
future. Germany’s emphasis on strong defensive principles backed with a forward
line that is clinical in it’s scoring are two key ingredients but it is the often
forgotten goalkeeper in my opinion that is the glue that binds the team together.
SoccerSouls.com
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