Germany's weakness is not outfront. It's defense where they have problems. Germany scored the most goals in qualifying in Europe. Saying that Germany has no strikers or need strikers shows that people do not understand the German system. Any of the official midfielders can become a forward throughout the game. The game is about movement (ball and players) and passing. Mueller, Klose and Podolski accounted for 11 of Germany's 16 goals in 2010. Mueller became one of the top scorers tying Villa (Spain), Forljan (Uruguay) and Snjeider (Netherlands). Klose was right behind with 4 goals.
The top 4 will be Germany, Spain, Brazil and either Argentina or Uruguay.
Sleeper teams from Europe who could break into the top 4: Netherlands and Belgium. Though I almost feel sorry for the dutch. They always play such great soccer and never really make it to the top.
Sleeper teams from South America who could break into the top 4: Columbia and Ecuador.
At the end the WC stays in South America: Brazil over an European contender (Spain most likely). Germany will be third (over Argentina or Urugay).
To the US chances: I think we take Ghana way to lightly. They beat us in the last WC and sent us home. Could happen again. Portugal will be a bitch game. Germany will make the group and all three teams (Ghana, Portugal, US) will be in a tough battle for 2nd place. A three-way tie is on the horizon and can get quite messy.
The advantage of the US is that they play Germany last. My hopes is that Germany is already through by then and they may rest some players. We do have a chance against Germany's B-Team.
i understand the german system just fine. i don't like a false nine at all though
---------- Post added at 08:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:05 PM ----------
Damn tough blow to the German, I guess Low's wet dream of starting Podolski will come true.
to be fair, Podolski played well in our last two exhibition games (1 goal, 4 assists), better then Reus even.