This June 2010 World Cup is a first for many reasons, this the first time that the World Cup is held in African soil. It is also the first time that the cotroversial Jabulani ball is being used in a major FIFA sanctioned tournament. Additionally by tomorrow, the world will see a newly first- time crowned World Champion which is not one of the previous multiple past winners like Brazil, Germany, Argentina, Italy . The winner will either from the hard and attack-minded Netherlands or the sublime, silky pass masters Spain.
As a neutral wtaching my 9th World Cup, I am most captivated by the free -flowing attacking sides of Germany and Argentina. Germany in particular played extremely well and they have a multi-talented team comprising young up and coming stars from the Bundeliesia. To name a few, Mesut Ozil, Bastian Schweistiger,Lucas Podolski, Miroslav Klose, Mueller, Boateng and Sammy Kadeira stood out.
In the past World Cups, Germany was known for its defensive play and Teutonic (blonde, fair skinned) like players. Nowadays that stereotype is no more. Good for them. The coach/manager Joachim Loew should also be credited for fielding a young side brimming with talent and attacking flair. Even leading 3 -0 against Argentina, they went on the offensive to score 1 more. They are the highest per game scoring team in this World Cup which makes their team so exciting to watch.
Also very interesting, is that like France 12 years before, they have a muti-ethnic team made up of players whose parents birthplace were from Turkey (Ozil), Yugoslavia (Podolski), Ghana (Boateng), Morocco (Madeira). 3 Cheers to this team who have shown me that a country which about 70 years ago was lead by a racist dictator and performed ethinc cleansing on the Jewish people have progressed to one which is multicultural, accepting of all races and religions in their cities and towns and forward looking.
Well done Germany ! Many neutrals will root for you in the future.You have a great team for the future.
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