Part 1 of 32: The German Interview
There are 56 days to go for the Fifa World Cup to start. In these 56 days, I aim to interview 32 fans for the 32 participating nations to get their perspectives. Impossible? Or at least very difficult to achieve this?
Where there is a will, there is a way! I ensue, thus, on an exciting journey. I hope you can enjoy the ride with me. Presenting Part 1 of the series.
I caught up with Benjamin, popularly known as Bense to get the German view. Bense writes in the World Cup Blog for Germany. He is 24 years old and is studying Economics in the University of Dortmund. A Mannschaft fan ever since 1990, Bense is going to volunteer both for the World Cup and his city during the World Cup. I thank Bense for agreeing for this interview.
What challenges has Germany as a country faced and how has it overcome them looking back as the World Cup is nearly upon us?
They came back after the disastrous Euro in 2000, Völler formed a younger team. After Euro 2004, Klinsmann took over and did the exact same thing, but for real. He keeps the younger players in the squad that might still have 10 more brilliant years with the team. That concerned quite a lot of people, because there is a lack of efficiency and veteran players. And of course, Germany couldn’t play any “competitive” games except for Confederations Cup, because they didn’t have to qualify.
What style of football does the national team play?
I’d say more technically skilled than before. As always, physical, cautious, basing on a good collective and team spirit.
What do you think your country’s prospects are?
It’s gonna be hard in the round of the last 16, but if we manage to win against England or Sweden, we’re gonna march on.
Who will be the most important player for your country?
The most important player right now is Ballack. He ain’t a leader but with his qualities, he can decide a game on his own.
Which player in your country’s side would you most like to get rid of?
Bernd Schneider. Too slow. To few goal shots. Too few creativity.
Who are the players to watch from the other countries?
There are quite a bunch of players that should be given a look. Messi, Ronaldinho, Rooney… All teams field at least one outstanding player or a great young prospect.
What will be your excuse in the event of failure?
There will be no failure. Now how much of a surprise it to get such an answer from a German? But for real, the pressure is very high but I still hope the players rise to the occasion.
Have you got the right manager?
Hell yeah, Klinsmann is trusting the young guns, like me. I’d rather loose with players that are 23 than with the older ones that are 32. Klinsmann knows many psychological methods - and overall, the manager ain’t that important in a WC. What’s a coach suppoed to there? Only fielding the right 11, even Völler reached the final in 2002 with a team that almost had no real talents in it.
What advice would you give him?
Don’t care about what the mass media or some grumpy guys chit-chat.
Which team do you most want to beat?
England in the round of the last 16 on penalties, Netherlands in the final 1:0 on a disputed penalty.
Which opposition player will get the most stick?
If we play the Brazilians, Ronaldinho. That guy shouldn’t be allowed to move in our own half of the pitch.
Where will you watch the matches?
At the stadium, in bars, or downtown in the inner city of Dortmund.
How keenly will the World Cup be followed in your country?
Germans tend to be a little pessimistic, but the closerit gets, the more the spark of euphoria will spread. Since Germany is the host country, that’s absolutely necessary for a great athmosphere during the World Cup.
Who will be the player of the tournament?
Ha, who can tell by now? There are dozens of younger players that could have their break-thru on the international stage. As for Germany, I’m expecting Schweinsteiger and Podolski having a great World Cup. Player of the tournament could be Ballack, if he can finally rise and shine.
Who will win the Golden Boot?
Too close to call. Definitely not Ronaldo, either. So many players are in for it. My first guess is Shevchenko, as he will be playing Saudi-Arabia with his native Ukraine in the preliminary stage.
Which team will disappoint the most and why?
The Netherlands and Spain are the regular disappointers. Other teams that are overhyped way too much are Brazil and England.
Who will be the surprise team of the tournament?
Ukraine or Sweden might be a surprise team. Both play very offensively orientated footie. Switzerland and Serbia might be small surprises, too, with their good defenses.
Finally, Who will win the World Cup?
I do believe Germany will win the World Cup. They neither have the most skilled team nor the best individual players. But the home advantage is factor. At home, Germany will be a force and the team to beat to become WC Champs.
***
I hope you enjoyed part 1! Follow up questions for Bense can be emailed to me at pratyushkhaitan[@]gmail[.]com Also, feel free to contact me if you would like to be interviewed or know a friend who would like/could be interviewed. Specific questions for specific countries which might pop in your mind in due course may also be sent. Coming up soon are interviews from England and Iran.
For the rest of the interviews, check out the World Cup interview series page.
Tags: FIFA World Cup 2006, Football Interview Series, German Football.
