Klinsmann relief as Germany crush US

FIFA World Cup™ hosts Germany crushed the United States 4-1 in Dortmund on Wednesday, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Oliver Neuville, Miroslav Klose and Michael Ballack getting the goals that provided the tournament hosts with a much-needed morale boost.
Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann had been hammered in the press after a 4-1 drubbing by Italy in Florence 21 days ago and he was relieved to lift spirits by recording the same scoreline over a weakened US team.
"We are delighted to get the win tonight. It has not been pleasant getting so much criticism but you have to live with it," a relieved Klinsmann said. "Franz Beckenbauer advised me not to read any newspapers before the finals and I think I will do that!"
It was the last game before Klinsmann names his 23-man squad on 15 May and several players stated their case. "The door is still open as there is always the chance of injuries," said Klinsmann after a replay of the 2002 FIFA World Cup quarter-final between the two teams which Germany won.
Bayern Munich midfielder Schweinsteiger took just 46 seconds to have an impact after coming on as a second-half substitute, with his inswinging free-kick evading everyone and finding the back of the net.
Bayern goalkeeper Oliver Kahn also had room for personal celebration, pulling off a brilliant low save from an Eddie Johnson header.
"After losing 4-1 in Italy the confidence was obviously not there," declared Kahn. "We had to build it up again and we did just that."
Kahn, winning his 84th cap, has been embroiled in a long battle with Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann for the number one jersey. "Oliver made a sensational save for the header," said Klinsmann. "We have two good goalkeepers who are playing on top of their game. It will not be easy making the decision."
Kahn's save was vital as it stopped the vistors from levelling at 1-1 but thereafter Germany took control scoring three times in six minutes. Neuville, an outside bet for a place in Klinsmann's final squad, curled a brilliant volley past his Borussia Monchengladbach team-mate Kasey Keller to make it 2-0 on 73 minutes.
The inexperienced US defence then collapsed with Klose netting in the 75th minute and captain Ballack on target four minutes later. It was a slightly flattering scoreline, although Steve Cherundolo scored late on to put the US on the scoresheet, but that did not bother Klinsmann nor the bulk of the 66,000 fans at Dortmund's Westfalen Stadium.
"We played well in the first half and then at the beginning of the second half we made a terrible mistake for their goal," said US coach Bruce Arena. "In the end we made a lot of mistakes and deserved to lose."
Germany have now won 12 of their 13 matches in Dortmund which is turning into something of a fortress for the national team. Klinsmann will hope it stays that way with the FIFA World Cup group match against Poland being played here.
Klinsmann's charges now head into the final two warm-up games in higher spirits ahead of the finals opener against Costa Rica in Munich on 9 June. Germany face Japan in Leverkusen on 30 May with Colombia the next test in Monchengladbach three days later.
USA, shorn of several top stars, must also prepare for the finals where they are grouped with Italy, Czech Republic and Ghana.

FIFA WORLD CUP ODDS!!!