Well actually the virtues of the Bundesliga were brought to my knowledge by ardent English followers of the Prem. Not that the Prem or even the Championship are bad, just that, from what I've heard, the atmosphere isn't what it used to. Was some time ago I heard this so could be that things have changed since.

As for England in the world cup, will be interesting. They are the team that always brings that extra bit of interest, the team everyone both fears and wants to beat. :)

The team that always manages to snatch defeat out of the jaws of victory...unfortunately :doh:

As forwards Klose, Podolski, Gomez, Kuranyi, Kießling, Cacau and Müller come to mind.

I think you nominate 5 forwards for a world Cup.

Problem for the German team is that Gomez, Klose, Podolski did not play much and they did not play well this season.

All of them scored only something like 3 goals each which is nothing.

So there is a big question mark whether the German Offence will be good enough this time.

Top scorers are Kuranyi and Kießling. Kuranyi was sacked from the national team. Now the press puts pressure on the coach to nominate him again. I dunno. He is not the brightest bulp on the porch, that is for sure. I rate Gomez higher even though he spent most of the time sitting on the bench.

I would nominate Klose, Podolski, Gomez, Müller and Kießling.

Müller is good. I would like to see Müller play.

Well, with Kuranyi we will know by end of this month, a decision will be made by the staff.
As for Germany and their forwards, in particular Klose and Gomez not being in good form etc, the Germans, as we all know of course are, to the leadup to big tournaments always a bit "slow" to start...
I have no doubt that they will once again feature in the final 8...
Concerns over the forwards aren't as worrying as the goal-keeping situation...
Sure Renee Adler seems more than competent between the sticks and has had some very good matches for the Germans, but this will be the first big tournament where the side is not able to field at least 1 "seasoned" keeper, eg. Lehmann, Khan, Koepke etc.
That, really is my concern.
The forwards will fire, with Klose and Kuranyi doing their thing,
the midfield will do the job, led by Ballack, with the rear once again showing that Lahm is a gem of a player.
I'm a huge fan of Lahm, speed, skill, fair, versatile and a heck of a strike when he hits the round ball.

For the Germany followers:
Kevin Kuranyi will not be in the World Cup 2010 squad.

For anyone that is interested:
FIFA World Points Ranking system

37 days to go!

Löw, Kuranyi: outcome as expected. I am no big fan of Löw, although I respect his work. But I am also no fan of Kuranyi. When Löw says he does not fit into the tactical concept, there is little to criticise in that, although I am sure that personal animosities also played a role. I take it that both played a role. However, as a trainer, I would not have picked Kuranyi, too. Team goes first - always.

I expect the Germans being unable to repeat their great show from last time. Quarterfinals sees their end, I guess.

Löw and DFB probably have decided to separate afterwards anyway. I could live with Löw. But why there is Bierhoff and what exactly he is doing when not using the national team to promote his personal business deals, I have not understood so far. Keep Löw, at least he is a good tactical trainer. But fire Bierhoff, I beg you. He is a red rag for me.

Totally agree with all you said.
I think it also would have had something to do with player input.
I dare say Löw possibly also consulted certain players and what they thought.
Reason for that is mostly to do with team unity, no way would he want to upset the harmony in the Mannschaft.
Wise move indeed.
Quarter finals eh?
Gee i hope you are wrong, notoriously slow starters, will be interesting to see who they meet if they top the group. I know if the Germans come second in their group and the English win theirs, then the two will meet in the second round!
Mouthwatering indeed.
Deutschland wird Welt Meister. I am optimistic :03:
EDIT: Just seen that Rene Adler is out! Dam, that's not good.

Some of the latest odds on the eventual winners....I can't believe how short a price England and Argentina are:

http://www.justbookies.com/Articles/...up_betting.htm

Surprised Spain is still top, considering they got knocked off the top spot in the FIFA World Rankings just yesterday.
I'm surprised where Argentina is, Italy should be better odds than what they are.
I'll put some money on Germany, good odds.
Very interested to see why they've got England at such good odds.
Notorious chokers of big tournaments.

Danmark! Danmark! Danmark!

Italy are an extremely good bet at those odds....I wouldn't waste a bean on Brazil, England, or Argentina.