Jancker - may return for Germany (Allsport)
GERMANY PLOT TACTICS FOR TRIUMPH
By Paul Walker, PA Sport, Seoul
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Germany know they lack pace at the back, but they have been hugely well
organised and have conceded just one goal so far with solid, workmanlike
defending.
The key is Oliver Kahn's exceptional goalkeeping and Dietmar Hamann's
defensive shield in midfield.
If they both play well, so do Germany.
Michael Ballack will want to dictate play from midfield, this tall young star
has a great range of passing ability and scores crucial goals with surging runs
into the box.
Germany will want him involved as much as possible against a South Korean
midfield which hunts players in groups when the opposition have the ball.
Early passes up to Miroslav Klose are also essential. Germany may well feel
that they can expose Korea in the air, so don't be surprised to see a return to
the side of 6ft 5in striker Carsten Jancker.
But above all, Germany must stop Korea's strong runners from midfield which
means Hamann and Torsten Frings must get a firm grip.
The outlet is usually Bernd Schneider down the right. His defending and
attacking are critical.
It is easy to say that Germany should win with their vast experience, but
Portugal, Poland, Italy and now Spain have all felt that about themselves.
What Korea have is remarkable fitness, and they have battered all of these
four top European sides in the final stages.
Germany will be hoping to get a firm hold, score early and block Korea out.
The Koreans have not been two goals behind yet, so we do not know how they
react to that sort of adversity.
Germany must try to be the only side to give themselves a cushion of goals
against the rampant hosts.
If they don't they will be run into the ground before the end, and with 60,000
manic fans at their backs, South Korea take some stopping.
Germany have the professional qualities to achieve that in the way they have
done for many, many years.
But this could be their greatest and unlikeliest test.
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