Germany v Portugal player ratings
OVERVIEW
The reigning champions go into the 2000 tournament amid something of a crisis of confidence. Despite qualifying with six wins and a draw from their eight matches in the group which included Turkey, Finland, Northern Ireland and Moldova, they haven’t impressed everyone.
A shock World Cup quarter-final exit at the hands of Croatia last year started the alarm bells ringing. The consensus of opinion is that Germany aren’t the force they once were.
Class acts like Jurgen Klinsmann and Jurgen Kohler are no longer around and their replacements have taken time to find their feet at the highest level.
Coach Erich Ribbeck, who replaced successful Euro 96 coach Berti Vogts, inherited an old squad and has tried to rebuild.
His tactics have been criticised by the local media who took time to warm to his quiet approach but experiments such as playing a flat back four or even four strikers have failed to paint over the cracks.
Ribbeck has again turned to experienced players for a short-term fix and they will carry the country’s hopes into these finals.
The likes of Dietmar Hamann and Bayern Munich midfielder Jens Jeremies will have future teams built around them but for now Ribbeck seems certain to stick with his tried and tested formula.
Much has been made of the fact that Germany have been drawn into the same group as England but they start with a clash with Romania on June 12th which will tell us much of their credentials as potential champions.
A meeting with England on the 17th is sure to be fiercely contested before a clash with Portugal three days later.
Germany can never be ruled out in major competitions but the class of 2000 seem more vulnerable than many of their predecessors.
They need to start well and much will depend on how Ribbeck approaches the tournament.
The conservative approach in terms of team selection seems favourite but the young players are there if he wishes to take the gamble.
Qualification isn’t guaranteed, they failed to beat Portugal in two qualifiers for France 98 for instance, but watch out for Germany if they do progress.
You write them off at your peril.