The upshot is this. The surprises may not be as surprising as first thought as Jurgen Klinsmann did the same thing in 2006 with his Germany squad. He risked alienating fans and players alike by turning aside the more experienced players of generations past in exchange for going younger and faster in a competition with a large amount of pressure in each case.
I’m not saying this US team will make the semifinals and draw the eventual champions into extra time (they’re still 4th favorites to make it out of their group). But Klinsmann saw an opportunity then and now to introduce a younger generation of player into the national team fold, and he did it then and now on the biggest stage possible.
While you may question his decisions, there certainly is a method to the madness, and that method is not too difficult to decode especially when played out twice. Ask any German fan.
Nice analysis. Although there is a BIG talent gap b/w the young German players he selected in 2006 vs players now.
The German players in 2006 had a lot more big game experience than the US players he’s chosen this time.
While Euros 2000 were a big disappointment, Germany did go to the WC final in ’02.
I think you meant Euros 2004 in the 2nd paragraph right? (since you mentioned Voller)
Ask any German fan? Are you joking? Ever hear of P Lamb; his book? The German fans I know were dumbfounded we hired JK heedless to what I gather remain materially unrefuted critiques Lahm published, echoed in the damning Sporting News article. Consistent with JKs failure at BM. They see Loews tactical acumen as pivotal to what success Germany has achieved under and post-JK.
Well done Matt! I’ve been thinking the same thing since it all reminded me of how Klinsmann took the same approach back in 2005-2006. I remember the public outcry in Germany (since I was there reporting on it – way back when) but in the end, they were happy with the result.
Will look forward to reading more of your reporting as the WC approaches.
Best,
Chris
SoccerTimes/ESPN SoccerNet/Teamtalk Radio 1999-2008