Beckenbauer sets Germany last-eight target
FIFA World Cup™ Organising Committee chairman Franz Beckenbauer has said the current crop of German internationals should reach at least the quarter-final stage on home soil.
Germany, who finished runners-up behind Brazil in 2002, host the 2006 tournament from 9 June to 9 July. Their run to the final four years ago was a huge shock after the team had been in decline for years following quarter-final exits in 1998 and 1994.
But now Beckenbauer, who led the old West Germany to glory in 1974, wants Jurgen Klinsmann's men to at least match their performances in France and the USA. "This time we are certainly no worse than in 1998 and 1994," said the Kaiser in an interview with German newspaper Sport-Bild.
"Those years we were eliminated in the quarter-finals and this year should be no worse." Germany were dealt a kind draw for the group stages and will face Costa Rica, Ecuador and Poland in Group A.
But Beckenbauer warned the team against complacency. He singled out the example of a talented Brazilian side losing in the 1990 second round to a limited Argentina, who went on to reach the final where they were beaten by Germany.
"When you have no luck, you can be quickly knocked out," said Beckenbauer, who appears to have more realistic objectives than Germany coach Klinsmann's aim of winning the Trophy. "We can already hope to reach the quarter-finals and when we are the hosts and organisers we can look to the semi-finals because we have home advantage."
Germany, who finished runners-up behind Brazil in 2002, host the 2006 tournament from 9 June to 9 July. Their run to the final four years ago was a huge shock after the team had been in decline for years following quarter-final exits in 1998 and 1994.
But now Beckenbauer, who led the old West Germany to glory in 1974, wants Jurgen Klinsmann's men to at least match their performances in France and the USA. "This time we are certainly no worse than in 1998 and 1994," said the Kaiser in an interview with German newspaper Sport-Bild.
"Those years we were eliminated in the quarter-finals and this year should be no worse." Germany were dealt a kind draw for the group stages and will face Costa Rica, Ecuador and Poland in Group A.
But Beckenbauer warned the team against complacency. He singled out the example of a talented Brazilian side losing in the 1990 second round to a limited Argentina, who went on to reach the final where they were beaten by Germany.
"When you have no luck, you can be quickly knocked out," said Beckenbauer, who appears to have more realistic objectives than Germany coach Klinsmann's aim of winning the Trophy. "We can already hope to reach the quarter-finals and when we are the hosts and organisers we can look to the semi-finals because we have home advantage."
posted by Germany World Cup Fan Blog / News / Info & Odds @ 2:29 PM
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