New coach, new players

Revamped Germany could again be a powerhouse

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) -- Germany has changed a lot since its hapless Euro 2000 campaign. From the laughing stock of Europe, it may have turned into a World Cup contender again.

For this remarkably quick transformation, Germany has to thank Rudi Voeller -- who wasn't even supposed to be in the job.

Voeller was called up for duty in October 2000, when a cocaine scandal doomed the career of coach-designate Christoph Daum. From a temporary solution, Voeller now has a contract valid through the 2006 World Cup at home.

With almost no coaching experience, the former striker who won the 1990 World Cup took over a side low on confidence and skill and battered by public ridicule, injected some new blood and turned the team around in less than two years.

The only blemish on Voeller's record during World Cup qualifying was a 5-1 drubbing by England in Germany during qualifying for the World Cup -- after Germany had won 1-0 at Wembley.

The loss to the perennial rival was a bitter pill to swallow and but it only temporarily halted Germany's march back to respect. The Germans battled over Ukraine easily and avoided the ultimate embarrassment of not qualifying for soccer biggest tournament.

"It's important for us to go the World Cup with a healthy sense of optimism and with the people believing in us," Voeller said. "We've become a unit again."

Voeller's handwriting has been evident. Under his guidance, the Germans apply a lot of pressure, create a lot of chances and are not reluctant to use their size to intimidate opponents.

Not usually known for a surfeit of flair, the Germans are beginning to show some style as well, even if they are not dazzling yet. Voeller has built his team around younger players such as Michael Ballack and Bernd Schneider who can pass the ball well.

Ballack may be a midfielder but his three goals against Ukraine and consistent scoring in the Bundesliga also make him a formidable goal poacher. He led Germany in qualifying.

Add to the mix Germany's traditional strengths such as team work, stamina and determination and three-time World Cup champion suddenly looks capable of mixing it up with the big boys again.

"We are a balanced team. There is no big star, and we know that we'll only succeed if we stick together," said former captain and veteran striker Oliver Bierhoff.

Although struggling, Bierhoff has been promised a spot on the World Cup team by Voeller. The coach doesn't have too many strikers available and defensive lapses are overcome by a strong, high-scoring midfield.

Germany won't be very creative if midfielders Sebastian Deisler and Mehmet Scholl don't recover from injuries that have plagued their season.

The draw should work in Germany's favor. Group E also has Saudi Arabia, Cameroon and Ireland, and the Germans see themselves as favorites to win the group.

German pundits have lowered their sights this time, after quarterfinal ousters in the last two World Cups and the Euro 2000 disaster. Reaching the second round is considered a must, anything beyond would be a bonus.

 

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