Bierhoff - hoping to go out in style. (Allsport)
EURO GLORY LIFTS BIERHOFF
By Ian Parkes, PA Sport, Yokohama
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Oliver Bierhoff is hoping the spirit of '96 will help carry Germany to World
Cup glory on Sunday.
Six years ago, an ageing German side were not expected to carry off the
European Championship crown, but they typically defied their critics just as
they have again done so during what has been a surprise Far East adventure.
Bierhoff was the German hero back then, scoring both goals in the final
against the Czech Republic at Wembley, including an unprecedented golden goal
winner.
Although time has moved on, some things have not changed. Despite reaching the
World Cup final for a seventh time, they have failed to impress along the way
due to their dour, defensive approach.
While their work ethic and team spirit cannot be faulted, this is a typical
German team lacking any stars - other than perhaps captain Oliver Kahn - and
seemingly devoid of flair and finesse.
Prolific striker Bierhoff can certainly see the similarities between the team
of '96 and coach Rudi Voller's present squad going into Sunday's clash with
Brazil at the Yokohama International Stadium.
"There is the immense team spirit which has carried us to higher things,"
declared Bierhoff when asked to compare the mood back then with the psyche of
the current squad.
"Another parallel to '96 is we were also criticised for not playing
convincingly enough, for not playing with enough flair and imagination.
"The only difference is that in '96 there were more renowned players, those
who had already made a name for themselves, some of whom had been world
champions.
"That's not the case in this team, but we try and make up for that with our
will-power and physical fitness."
Bierhoff, who is to hang up his international boots at the end of Sunday's
game, is hoping he will be remembered for more than just his moment of glory at
Euro 96 - and has not ruled out the prospect of a repeat performance against the
Brazilians.
After scoring 37 goals in his 69 appearances for Germany, and a club career
which has taken in Uerdingen, Hamburg, Borussia Monchengladbach, Salzburg,
Ascoli, Udinese, AC Milan and currently Monaco, Bierhoff added: "It's normal
for players to be remembered for moments, or goals they have scored.
"The goal I scored at Euro 96 was certainly unique so I cannot help it if
that is how people remember me, but I've done more than that in my career.
"I've been top scorer in the Italian league and, contrary to what people may
think, I'm not all about headers.
"I've scored a lot of goals with my feet, both for the national team and in
the Italian league, and to do that you need to have a shooting technique and you
need to be able to read the game.
"The Italians, I think, have always appreciated that, while in Germany my
game has more or less been reduced to just the headers.
"But overall I think I've gained the maximum out of my abilities and out of
my national team career."
Despite playing just 64 minutes in four substitute appearances for Germany in
this tournament, Bierhoff then said: "History has a habit of repeating itself
and I would be happy to score another golden goal.
"But I hope it doesn't come to that and we're able to reap the harvest in the
first 90 minutes. Certainly Brazil will be stronger opponents than the Czechs in
'96 so we just have to do our best."
Bierhoff is also considering quitting club football, although a close source
to the player revealed he will play on if there is interest from a Premiership
or Scottish Premier League club.
Bierhoff, who is considering working as a consultant for his sponsor Nike, is
apparently eager to savour and prove himself in the British game, just as fellow
Germany forward Jurgen Klinsmann did with Tottenham in the twilight of his
career a few seasons ago.
The 34-year-old said: "I've not spoken to anybody, but for me right now it's
important we win the World Cup first and after that I will go on vacation and
think about my future.
"I don't know what I'm going to do next season. I've not decided whether I
will play again or whether I will quit."
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