Head Coach
Rudi Voller – former German international Rudi Voller leads his country into the 2002 World Cup. Based on qualification and matches leading up to the tournament, this is a German side that is not expected to do much in 2002. Germany lost in the quarters to Bulgaria in 1994 and to Croatia in the quarters in 1998. If this German team can make it that far, Voller should be appointed chancellor of his country. An attacking scheme implemented by Voller that lacks the attack.
Match Schedule Date Opponent Time (EST) Venue
June 1 Saudi Arabia 7:30 a.m. Sapporo
June 5 Republic of Ireland 7:30 a.m. Ibaraki
June 11 Cameroon 7:30 a.m. Shizuoka
Key Players
Michael Ballack – the Leverkusen midfielder scored six goals during qualification, but cannot shoulder the load by himself. Ballack, with his long and elegant stride, has natural ability and poise that are not always present in a player of his age. Has already drawn comparisons to the legendary German player Franz Beckenbauer.
Oliver Kahn – German keeper Oliver Kahn may be the one German player that is free from recent criticism that accompanies the German side. Now captain of the team, Kahn is regarded as one of the top goalkeepers in the world and is the one player that the German squad may look up to. Tall and muscular, Kahn has an intimidating presence while in goal. Cat-like reflexes for such a big man will surely help at times during the tournament.
Overview
Goalkeeping
Kahn will keep the Germans close in every match. As he has shown with Bayern Munich, he can single handily win games for his team. It is never an easy win when facing Kahn.
Defense
If Voller wants attack out of the back he will most likely go with Christian Ziege as an outside back – however may choose to play conservatively.
Defender Marko Rehmer will be out at least one game with a shoulder injury. The Germans will miss his presence in the back.
The German defenders have had mental lapses in a few moments in preparation matches.
Midfield
The play will run through Ballack, Dietmar Hamann and Jans Jeremies in the midfield. All three have experience at the international level. Hamann possess a powerful shot when moving up into the attack.
Distribution should not be a problem for this conglomerate in the German midfield.
Forwards
Oliver Bierhoff is beginning to show his age, as his play is beginning to decline and Voller does not have enough time to wait for Bierhoff (hence Bierhoff relinquishing his captaincy).
With Bierhoff out, Carsten Jancker will be responsible for finishing for the German team. The sad truth being, Jancker has never been a proven goal-scorer.
Oliver Neuville will have to serve as a scoring threat by default. Scoring will most likely come out of the midfield.
