Conference trucks::football;1

    This past week and during the week starting 6/18 I'm the Training Site
    Coordinator for the Rep of Korea team as they train in the Boston area
    at Merrimack College.  For a soccer enthusiast it is an absolutely
    fabulous way to spend one's vacation. All the practices have been
    'closed.' We are encouraging them to open a session before their 6/23
    match. 
    
    The Korean team has a number of veterans from the '90 games.  They are
    extremely fit and very fast.  I'll go out on a limb and predict Korea's
    first WC win this year.                            
    
     

    Ah....so Germany, Spain and Bolivia have a spy in the camp....
    
    
    seriously tho, enjoy your vacation, you lucky....person
    
    Ray....

    
    Re .1
    
    Nice one.
    
    Se�n

    
    So, are Bolivia any good or what?
    
    Tony
    
    

    Tony,
    
    sorry for you, but game one will end with a 3-0 victory for Germany,
    
    stay tuned,
    
    Frank

    Does anyone have any up-to-date info on the Spanish squad and the
    likely starting line up ? I had heard that Goikotxea (sp?) was injured?
    Is there any truth in this ?
    
    Terry

    Tony,
    
    The Bolivians seem to have a pretty strong team. Ireland defeated them
    by 1-0 a couple of weeks back in Dublin. The Bolivians however, didn't
    put up a bad show. 
    
    Given this result, and the fact that Ireland defeated Germany by 2-0,
    in Germany, then I think the Germany v Bolivia result will be a victory
    by one goal (at least) for the Bolivians. Sorry Frank ;-)
    
    Jerry.

    Terry,
    
    Spain will come up with a re-formed team. Most of their 'old' heroes
    had to stay at home. They are told to be strong in the defence, but
    they have problems with their forward.
    
    Frank

Spanish Squad:


1  Andoni Zubizarreta		(G)
2  Albert Ferrer		(D)
3  Jorge  Otero			(D)
4  Francisco Camarasa		(D)
5  Abelardo Fernandez		(D)
6  Fernando Hierro		(M)
7  Juan Antonio Goicoechea 	(M)
8  Julen Guerrero		(M)
9  Josep Guardiola		(M)
10 Jose Marie Bakero		(M)
11 Aitor Beguiristain		(M)
12 Sergi Barjuan		(D)
13 Santiago Canizares		(G)
14 Juan Castano 'Juanele'	(A)
15 Jose Luis Caminero		(M)
16 Felipe Minambres		(A)
17 Salvador Gonzalez 'Voro'	(D)
18 Rafael Alkorta		(D)
19 Julio Salinas		(A)
20 Miguel Angel Nadal		(D)
21 Luis Enrique Martinez	(M)
22 Julen Lopetegui		(G)


Probable Starting Line-up


				1

				20

		2		18		4

				9
			6		10
				8		21

				19

Peter.

    
    Does Bakero get a regular game for Spain? He's quite good. I think
    Enrique plays up front for them, he O.K'ish.
    
    Tony
    
    

    This weekend (friday, I guess) I picked up a friend at Boston's Logan
    Airport. While waiting I suddenly found myself surrounded by a group
    of guys in training dresses, which turned out to be the Bolivian soccer
    team. 2 things:
    1) That was apparently a bunch of very nice and naturally behaving
       modest and quiet guys. Quite a contrast to the brats I'm used to
       at home (Ger., or Ita, for that matter). Never met those personally,
       though. 
    2) I cant believe how small and light-weight most of these guys are. They 
       look much bigger on TV. One should expect that they get plowed under
       by the bigger european teams.
    
    I'm primarily in ice-hockey (playing/watching), much bigger people
    there, especially at that level. 

380.11
    
>>> I'm primarily in ice-hockey (playing/watching), much bigger people
>>> there, especially at that level. 
    
    Rainer,  agreed, but this is what makes football/soccer such a great game. 
    You don't have to be 7 feet tall and weigh 280 pounds to play the game. The
    greatest soccer players of all time were not exceptionally tall or
    heavy. Soccer is a game for everyone, tall or small, fat or thin, black
    or white. I believe that this is one of the reasons why soccer is
    thriving at college level in the USA. 
    
    I hope you enjoy the World Cup.
    Any chance of a few tickets????8=)
    
    Ray....

    Re: -1
    
>    heavy. Soccer is a game for everyone, tall or small, fat or thin, black
>    or white. I believe that this is one of the reasons why soccer is
    
    
    Take heart JBG !
    
    Jerry.

    
    Exactly Ray, and as Jerry points out, guys like me, of average build 
    (5'10") & weight (11st) can play football, and even smaller / fatter
    guys like Jerry (4'7" and 13st6) ca, to some extend take part.
    
    JBG

    JBG,
    
    Tell the truth. 
    
    I'm almost 5' tall (in trainers) and I've lost some weight recently so
    I'm now down to 13st4. The sad thing is that I can still run rings
    around you on the fottball pitch (admittedly without the ball, while
    your resting at half time !)
    
    More to the point, you don't seriously expect anyone to believe that
    you're only 11st. I suppose you're going to try to deny that you had to 
    get Air-Brakes fitted to your new Off-Roader cos it didn't have enough 
    stopping power to handle your additional weight.
    
    
    Jerry.

re. -2

11 stone ?  11 STONE ?

i've read some unbelievable stuff in this conference, but that just about beats
it all ...

	Ray

    
    Basler is obviously fit for the match. That is great news.
    
    I expect Basler to be the best German player in the tournament, maybe
    M�ller can reach his class. 
    
    All the rest is basically a bunch of ex-world champions who have passed
    their best times four years ago. Germany's advantage is their
    experience and that's all (except for the above mentioned).
    
    I'd also like to see Kuntz more often. If you have a look at
    Kaiserslautern in the Bundesliga, the second place is practically his 
    achievement. He is the one who leads the team, who pushes it to give 
    105% and who scores the goals (well, together with Brehme). 
    
    Sadly there is a strong hierarchy in the German team. And that moron
    with the number 10 is on the very top of the order, while Kuntz is
    somewhere near the bottom.
    
    
    Heiko

    Heiko,
                                          
    Why is it that there are so many "oldies" in the German
    team... is the manager too scared to experiment with
    fresh talent or are the oldies the best he has ?
    
    For example, I think playing Matteus (spelling ?) at sweeper
    is a potential disaster for Germany, I saw him play in that
    role for Bayern in the UEFA cup (v Norwich) and he wasn't
    too impressive. He seemed more interested in arguing with 
    the referee than with playing football.
    
    All the same, I reckon the team (if any) that manages to beat 
    Germany will will the cup,
    
    Jim.
    

 It sounds like your a big fan of Bayern Munichs Heiko.  :)  Basler is a good
player, but he may end up on the bank believe me..... This will look very like 
the starting German team......


                                 Ilgner

                                Madhaus

Buchwald or Strunz              Koehler                               Brehme

    Hassler                      Sammer                             Effenberg

                 Moeller


                        Klinsmann  and probably Riedle.......


Subs: Basler, Helmer, Voeller.......



       Out of the above team  7 players played in the the 90 final.....



                                                            dave.....

    
    I am not exactly a Bayern fan. I am definitely not a Matth�us fan.
    
    As for the oldies:
    
    	There are some young quality players around, but not too many. 
    
    	Basler, Scholl, Ziege, and a bit behind: B�ron, Hobsch, Kahn,
    	Novotny (how old is he?), but all in all the key players are
    	either old or foreigners. (Sutter, Knup, Letchkov, Polster, Schmitt,
    	Sergio, Chapi, Dahlin, Kuka, Herzog, Schuster, Bratseth, Rolff ...)
    
    The problem with the young talents is that (except for Ziege) they
    sometimes can't even stand the pressure of an ordinary Bundesliga
    match. Take Scholl, for example. I believe he is one of the best German
    players around, but not on a constant basis. Or take Hobsch and B�ron.
    One day they score 3 out of 1 big chance, and the next *month* they
    remain unseen. Bremen's Bode is a very good player. He produced 3 or 4 
    big opportunities in every match, but only manages to score twice a
    season.
    
    Conclusion:
    Yes, it's practically a team of oldies. There are two reasons for this:
    1: Not enough quality behind, at least not that much *more* quality
       that it could compensate for the lack of experience.
    2: Matth�us is stronger than Vogts. Or maybe, Vogts doesn't dare to
       bring new players and prefers to rely on the proven quality of
       the old ones. 
    
    Prediction:
    It will take at least 4 years to build a new team, a completely new
    team when the WC is over.
    
    Heiko

    Heiko,
    
    Math�us has already declared, that he would like to play for Germany
    at least until 96....so we might see him again in France...
    
    Frank

    I read an article where he said that if Germany won the world cup in
    the U.S he would retire from international football because then he would 
    be retiring at the top. If they don't win then he says that he will
    keep going.
    
    Peter.

    
    Re -1
    
    Peter,
    
    	I hope you're not referring to Ronnie?  8-)
    
    JBG

    From the last replies I conclude:
    
    1. Matth�us will play until he's 96
    2. Matth�us will avoid winning the Cup so that he can play some more.
    
    Oder?
    
    �JF?

    I dont give the german squad much of a chance to repeat. This is
    basically the Italia team, which wasn't really young then, with
    a much weaker and less inspirational coach and without much of a fan
    support (which was considerable in Italia). 

    JF,
    
    I'm nearly sure, that Math�us will not play until he's 96, but the
    president of the German Football Association DFB said in an interview
    on sunday, that he would support Math�us to play for Germany until he's
    40, if Math�us wishes to do so.
    
    
    German TV reported yesterday, that Buchwald and Strunz will not be able
    to play on friday, due to their injuries. So we can expect to see
    Basler in the German team.
    
    
    Frank 

    
    Who is the player with most international matches ? How many ?
    	125 I think.
    
    	Matth�us must be having around 107 now. So he will probably wait
    	until the Swedish keeper quits (I think he has about 115 now) and
    	then play two more years (if necessary). 
    
    Or does he want to become 'most succesful player ever' regarding
    World Cups ? He must have been around in 1982 already. 
    
    Heiko

    Matth�us played 109 times for Germany as far as I remember. Currently
    he is not in the top ten of World Cup players. Uwe Seeler is still the
    German which is positioned best here. I think he played 21 WC matches.
    The only active German player in this list is Pierre Littbarski with 18
    WC matches.
    
    Frank

    re:-1
    
    I think Peter Shilton has the record number of 125 international caps.
    
    Dave

    
    Matth�us was part of the '86 squad then, wasn't he ? 
    Yes he was. He scored that 1-0 last minute free-kick against Morocco.
    
    That would make, err, 3+1+1+1+1 + 3+1+1+1+1 = 14 matches if he didn't 
    miss any. Still he has one 1st and one 2nd place in the WC. (Assuming
    he didn't participate in '82). That is just Uwe's level.
    
    
    He'll never macth Uwe, Franz and Fritz, though.

     Matth�us was part of the 1980 Euro-Champions (I didn't believe it, too)
     and he was member of the 1982 WC team. But he didn't play to often
     in that WC ...

	Gerd_ 

    Hi Gerd,
    I've just had a look at our unit's Kicker magazine.
    WC Caps for Lothar:
    	82: Chile 4:1, Austria 1:0
    	86: Uruguay 1:1, Scotland 2:1, Denmark 0:2, Morocco 1:0 (1 goal),
            Mexico 4:1, France 2:0, Argentina 2:3
        90: Yugoslavia 4:1 (2), Emirats 5:1 (1), Colombia 1:1, Holland 2:1,
    	    Czechoslovakia 1:0 (1),England 4:3, Argentina 1:0
    
    That makes it 16 altogether. If Germany manage to reach the semis he
    could well pass Uwe in the list. (Shame Shame Shame)
    
    Heiko
         

    Super Heiko,
    
    so he did play this great game against Austria in 82! 
    
    Frank

Some more boring statistics on the German team.

Negative WC match balance:
		WDL  Score
    Algeria:    001   1:2
    Denmark:	001   0:2
    GDR:	001   0:1
    Italy	022   4:7
    Czechosl.	111   4:5
    Hungary	101   6:10
Never played Brasil (yet).


Top Scorers:

Mueller, G.	14 in 13 matches (70-74)

Rahn		10 in 10 matches (54-58)

Rummenigge	 9 in 19 matches (78-86)
Seeler		 9 in 21 matches (58-70)

Schaefer	 7 in 15 matches (54-62)

Morlock		 6 in  5 matches (54)
Haller		 6 in  9 matches (62-70)
V�ller		 6 in 12 matches (86-90)

Matth�us	 5 in 16 matches (82-90)
Beckenbauer	 5 in 18 matches (66-74)

Conen		 4 in  4 matches (34)
Walter, O.	 4 in  5 matches (54)
Brehme	         4 in 11 matches (86-90)

Klinsmann	 3 in  7 matches (90)
Walter, F.	 3 in 11 matches (54-58)
Littbarski	 3 in 18 matches (82-90)
Overath		 3 in 19 matches (66-74)

Heiko
    

    
    Can anyone tell me why Bakero wasn't playing against Korea.
    Is he injured or just out of favour ?
    Will he be included in the next two games ?
    
    Curious of SQF.

I'm pretty sure that he's not in the squad.

Mike

                      P  W  D  L  GF  GA Pts
    Germany           1  1  0  0   1   0   3
    Spain             1  0  1  0   2   2   1
    Republic of Korea 1  0  1  0   2   2   1
    Bolivia           1  0  0  1   0   1   0
    
    
    17th June '94
    Chicago     Germany        1-0      Bolivia
    Dallas      Spain          2-2      Republic of Korea
    
    21st June '94
    Chicago     Germany         v       Spain
    
    23rd June '94
    Foxboro     Bolivia         v       Republic of Korea
    
    27th June '94
    Dallas      Germany         v       Republic of Korea
    Chicago     Bolivia         v       Spain

    I thought Spain v Germany was the game of the tournament so far.
    The tackling was very sharp and there was no space to hang around. Why
    doesn't the ref. book players for diving? (e.g. Klinsmann)
    
    Paul

    
>>    Why doesn't the ref. book players for diving? (e.g. >>Klinsmann<<)
    
    	You didn't see Maradonna's birdman impression then?? 8-)
    
    JBG

    It's unfortunate that Klinsmann has to resort to these tactics to get
    free kicks. He has become a victim of his own antics because last night
    there were one or two occasions when he was clearly fouled but the ref
    obviously thought he was doing his Hollywood stuntman routine.
    
    <flame off>
    
    Am I the only person in the world who thinks that the Spanish goal was
    not an outrageous fluke? The goalkeeper was clearly making his way
    towards the penalty spot when Goicoechea crossed the ball. I thought
    that it was a cracker....
    
    Ray....

    
    I thought that Spain comprehensively outplayed Germany.
    
    Looked a good Spanish goal to me, but what do i know.  
    
    Nigel

    Re. 38
    
    There was absolute no 'diving' from Klinsmann in yesterdays match. The
    guy who tried to do this was Strunz. A clear penalty wasn't given to
    the Germans, as the referee did believe, that Klinsmann was cheating.
    In the second half Klinsmann was the best player on the field and one
    of the most dangerous forwards I've seen in this tournament.
    
    Frank

Klinsmann not guilty of diving? When did you turn your back on reality? I'll bet
you think Hagi's goal was deliberate as well. 8-)

Good picture in NME of Klinsmann with a caption that read something along the
lines of "Linesman not looking? Check. Ball within ten yards? Check. In the
penalty area? Check. Dive! Dive!"

Personally, if I was a referee I'd said him off straight after the kick-off.
Prevention is better than a cure, as they say. 8-)

Mike

    
    Well as for somebody saying the game of the tournament...it for me was
    the worst game of the lot. The Germans were messing about without any
    real game plan (unusual for them)...however...they've probably just
    qualified for the second phase. Spain were no better.
    
    Very disappointed...though after watching Brasil I suppose most games
    would seem boring....
    
    Dezzz.

    
>    There was absolute no 'diving' from Klinsmann in yesterdays match. The
>    guy who tried to do this was Strunz. A clear penalty wasn't given to
>    the Germans, as the referee did believe, that Klinsmann was cheating.
>    In the second half Klinsmann was the best player on the field and one
>    of the most dangerous forwards I've seen in this tournament.

    Klinsmann may have been the best player, but every time someone went
    near him he acted like he'd been shot in the back. If he'd concentrated
    on playing Germany would probably have won.
    
    Dave

    Could someone please transfer Mike's comment in .43 to topic 400 -
    World Cup Humor! 
    
    Frank

    I thought the Spanish were great and deserved to win. 

    I watched the game on German TV, re the 'possible' penalty. What you
    did not see on the NUMEROUS repeats of this 'potenial penalty', was
    Klinsmann realizing he did not get a penalty, so he jumps up and then
    starts playing the ball again.

    These guys are professionals at making a tackle look real dirty.
    Personally from a fowling/diving point of view, I think the game was
    about even.

    
    I didn't see Klinsmann dive. Strunz did, and he should have been booked
    alright. 
    
    One can only speculate, but I think the German team decided to speed up
    at the beginning of the second half and then decided to slow down again
    after 10/15 minutes. 
    
    Berti's replacement strategy looked totally spaced out to me. The team
    had just settled down, reduced the pace, and he replaces one offensive
    midfielder with a goalscorer. Thus weakening the midfield and leaving
    both Klinsmann and V�ller without support. Strange. 
    
    Spain could have won, and it wouldn't have been undeserved. 
    Klinsmann and Berthold were best players on the German side, Goicoechea
    (sp) (first half only) and Gamiero (???) were best for Spain. IMHO of
    course.
    
    Heiko 

    .48
    
    I remember 1 occasion last night where a Spanish player accidentally
    caught Klinnsmann in the face and Klinsmann dived to the ground as if
    he had been hit a Lennox Lewis upper-cut. It's a pity, because when he
    sticks to playing football he is one of the best in he world....
    
    Ray....

    The German commentator last night never mentioned "Klinsi"'s acting
    ability, which is a shame - because the man has real talent.
    
    He may not have "dived", but his intentions on the 94 oscar for "Best
    Male Actor - with silly haircut" were made clear within minutes of the 
    start of the game.
    A spanish guy caught him on the back of the ankle, and our man Klinsi
    let out a blood curdling scream (I heard him!), flung his arms in the air, 
    arched his back, just managed to jump a foot into the air before
    falling dramatically to the floor. A superb performance. 
    The first of many on the night.
    
    He's got my vote.
    
    Al.

    I never liked Klinsmann. He really dives a lot and looks and behaves
    like the ultimate yuppie wimp. I often feel kind of embarrassed as a
    countryman of his, I rather look at guys like Kohler for that matter.
    Although you cannot deny that Klinsmann was successfull throughout
    his career, I also never really liked his style of play. Those fashion
    magazine types Klinsmann and Riedle should be replaced by Kirsten and
    Thom, in my book.

    
    In honour of the truth, we were very unlucky not get a good win against
    a team, that I am afraid have lost the spirit of sportmanship.
    I remember when they didn't do well some years ago in Argentina, in
    fact when they lost against Holland in the semi-final, Verty vogths (
    sp ) , said that he was so embarrased to be a German and he would not
    play for a team without spirit.
    This time when this mediocre team will not do as well as ever will be
    kicked out in shame, for all the antics.
    By the way Spain have developed a little character to do more fighting
    rather than acting and being so pathetic as some of the german players
    not only klinsmann...
    
    Spain to win the cup...
    
    Salud 
    Juan..

    South Korea finished their training in North Andover with a closed
    practice on Tuesday.  Gifts were graciously exchanged with all the
    training site volunteers. (I'll be the guy in Section 318 wearing 
    the blue Korean uniform tonight!) What a great experience for all of
    us!                                                       
    
    Prediction:  Korea 3 - Bolivia 2  

    Italy, Spain, Germany: All suffer from the same sickness in not too
    various forms - 'fat cat' brats in the team, too many foreigners in
    the leagues, blocking the home-grown young talent, 'conservative'
    coaching = playing without spirit. Germany used to export good soccer
    players (and coaches), now the league imports, the WC looks like a
    'Bundesliga' /italian league selection.
    None of the above will win the Cup.

    In fairness is the money plus the big egoes of some of the directors of
    those major clubs, the idea of making more money practically is killing
    the game.
    Team spirit seems to be the word to get the best of your workforce ( in
    business ), however it is ironic. The fact remains the same if you
    cannot succed in football without team spirit, you cannot succed in
    business.
    
    Salud 
    Juan...

        	Korea 0   Bolivia 0

    The only comment I have about this game is the amount of time 
    played.  I saw the very end live and it went into the 54 minute.  
    I thought there must have been a major fracas or serious injury or 
    something so I watched the tape.  I only saw one stretcher off and 
    that lasted less than a minute.  Can someone explain why so much 
    extra time (there was also 5 minutes added at the end of the 
    first half)?  Do they use different timing standards in Scotland??

    Jack, you went.  What was it about?

    Incidentally this was the first 0 - 0 and it was the farthest a 
    world cup has gone without one.

    Gerry

    The game lasted for 104 minutes, but I'm pretty sure, that both teams
    could have played 208 or maybe 416 minutes without scoring at least one
    goal. This was the worst game so far; I can't believe, that people did
    go on strike in South Korea to see this. 
    
    Last night I saw the three weakest teams so far. Norway wasn't any
    better than Bolivia or South Korea and all three seem to play close to
    what I've seen from Greek.
    
    Frank 

    No explanation for the injury time at the end of the game.
    Both teams had multiple chances....Bolivia striker intecepts goalie
    Choi's clear inside the box and can't get a shot on net with no
    defenders in sight.....Bolivia put only 1 of 4-5 directs from 30yds on
    net....Korea penetrates to the corners repeatedly, but fail to attack
    with an numbers.  #20, Hong Myong-bo, played well on defense....as did
    #5 Park Jung-bae.   It was a very lively crowd with the colorful
    Bolivians and the Korean gongs.  
     

    
    	Well, it may have been boring but it certainly sets up two
    interesting confrontations fro the last games in this group.
    
    	The current standings are:
    
    Germany	4
    Spain	2
    South Korea	2 
    Boliva	1
    
    	and if a 3rd placed team has 4 points they will more than likely go
    through, so any of the teams can still qualify without depending on
    other results. Germany are probably already through. A draw against
    Korea would probably put them top. Korea never gave up against Spain
    so, with a place in the next round up for grabs, we can assume they
    will do the same against Germany.

    Just some impartial info: The goal scorer for Spain (I won't try to
    spell his name :) admitted that it was supposed to be a cross, so the
    goal was a fluke.
    
    Marcel

      Yes, it might have been, but Spain played a very nice game.
      
      Many good midfield players (Guardiola, Sergi, Caminero (sp?)) etc.)and 
      good support from the back line.
      
      Ferrer from Barca must be one of the best backs in the tournament.
      
      Salinas is not too bad a bench or B team player. I hope some team would 
      buy him where he would get to play a bit more.
      
      Saludos
      
      Christer

    Wait a minute, I didn't say that they didn't deserve it.
    Furthermore, any dutchman will agree on me: Better to beat the germans
    with luck, than to lose playing good. As long as you beat 'em!  :)
    
    Marcel, a dutchman

    re >                   -< Beat the germans in the way you can. >-
    
    chance would be a fine thing :)
    

    I spoke with the Koreans last night.....it was 110 degF at 8pm.....can
    the Germans take the heat?

    >I spoke with the Koreans last night.....it was 110 degF at 8pm.....can
    >the Germans take the heat?
    
    Is that game in Chicago or Dallas ?

    I think most teams will have a problem with 110 degF, regardless of
    where they come from. 

    Re: .64
    
    Germany play the Korean Republic game in Dallas.
    
    
    Jerry.

    Germany Vs. Korean  3:2
    
    Korean almost beat the Germany if their goalie's performance would
    be better.
    

>>    Germany Vs. Korean  3:2
    
>>    Korean almost beat the Germany if their goalie's performance would
>>    be better.
    
    
    What happened to the germans ?? When they made me fell asleep, they
    seemed in charge at 3-0...
    
    Other game: Spain 3-1 Bolivia
    
    Interesting news is that that's at least one 3rd place team worse than
    USA...
    
    	Eric
    

    
    Oh my god. Yet another embarrasing crap performance of the German team.
    
    Luckily we've won that group, so there's an odd chance to advance to
    the quarterfinals at least.
    
    The ZDF commentator said "God save the Korean's weakness in scoring"
    and that was 100% right. The German commentators seem to be wearing
    their black-red-golden sunglasses all the time though. Feldkamp's 
    comments seem to be a far more unbiased analysis than what the
    commentators produce. 
    As for the team:
    ILLGNER: a handful of good saves. One big mistake. Bring on K�pke!
    KOHLER: this guy is getting slow.
    BREHME: slow and confused
    EFFENBERG: lazy
    SAMMER: helpless
    HAESSLER: ok
    BUCHWALD: did he play? Oh yes. I remember his pathetic shot when he
    	missed wide from 8 meters and his even more pathetic attempt to get a
    	free kick.
    KLINSMANN: Before the WC started I wondered why he was nominated for 
    	the squad in the first place. But up to now, he is the only player
    	who has justified his appearance in the great German US'94 holiday
    	camp.
    VOGTS: Coward of the year. Is it really true that this is the best
    	team? I doubt that. It's a lobby thing alright. 
    	Basler is challenging his underdog position in the hierarchy ?
    	Get that man out of the squad. 
    	Brehme is playing crap? But he is Lothar's roommate. Give him
    	yet another chance. 
    
    Two years ago Uwe Bein's coach complained about the national squad. He
    said that the German midfield was deliberately making Bein look bad in
    matches and giving him a hard time in the training-camps. Just to get
    him out of the squad. Now I believe it. 
    
    South Korea was the better side.
    Heiko

    I thought the game was great, Korea deserved at least a draw. They
    played with real spirit and were very unlucky.
    

    
    I only saw the 1st 20 minutes, and Germany looked in control (2-nil up). 
    Klinsmans goal was a scorcher. The second goal a bit flukey. 
    
    I was expecting to read the score as being either 2 or 3 to nil, but
    I'm glad to hear the Koreans made a fight of it. I wish I'd have
    watched now.
    
    Al.

    Quite a good match to watch for a neutral, Germany were cruising
    through the first half easily, and reached half-time 3 nil up, and well
    in control. Akthough they were helped by some bad goalkeeping by South
    Korea, and poor shooting as well. 
    
    The second half, what a different story. I can just see the German
    managers half-time talk --- Okay boys were 3 goals up, just take it
    easy and well stroll into the next round----
    
    Unfortunately for them South Korea had other ideas, with a good first
    goal, flicked over the keeper and a superb 2nd, a sweetly struck 30
    yard shot, leaving Illgner helpless....... 
    
    Did the Germans have any shots in the second half ???????
    
    Finally, what do any German noters think about Effenberg?????????? 
    
    I have seen him playing for Germany for a few years now, and we also
    get to see him play in the Italian leagues and I must say he is 
    		CRAP !!!!!!!!!!!!!
    
    sure he has a good shot, and can run about a lot. But I can honestly
    say I have seen non-professional players who are as good. There must 
    be better players in the Bundesleig !!!!!!!!!
    
    Sandy.
    

    Another great performance from the Germans. First 1/2 they showed, what
    they are able to play, second 1/2 they slowed it down, as there are
    still 4 (!) games to go for us. South Korea wasn't that weak, as it
    seemed to be in the first 45 minutes; Germany was so strong, that South
    Korea didn't manage to come into the game.
    
    Second half was different, but I had never the feeling, South Korea
    could reach a draw. Klinsmann seems to become this WCs top scorer, the
    best forward I've seen so far (excl. Romario). Beneath Klinsmann
    Buchwald and Haessler played a fantastic game. 
    
    Re.: .70:
    
    With Koepke as Goaly Germany would have lost against Spain. Illgner
    played world class in this game and made one minor mistake yesterday.
    The weakest part of the German team is the defence and I must blame
    Matthaeus for that.
    
    See you in the finals,
    
    Frank

    Korean keeper Choi is playing in his last Cup.  At 32 he is the captain
    of the team and a real leader.  Unfortunately he has cost his team 
    a second round spot.  If you have the tapes from the '90 Cup you see
    similar mistakes.  I like Lee Woon Jae who played the second half. At
    21 years old, you'll see him in future competition.  #20 Hong Myung Bo,
    the sweeper, ended up with 2 WC goals.  What a talent!
    
    If anyone wants a WC program, let me know.  EMail to SOLVIT::JNELSON
    today, send $8 intercompany with your mail address and I'll pick up
    programs at the 7/5 round of 16 game.  

Germany were very fortunate to get the win... the first half was fairly even..
the Koreans had more shots, but didn't really believe in themselves. Klinsmann
didn't bother with all that theatrical diving, and showed what a class act he 
can be.. it seemed at half time that the Germans professionalism and experience
had won the day.    

The second half... I've never seen such a one sided half, and for my money
Korea deserved the win. IMO..If Klinsmann had been on the other side it 
would have been 5-0 for Korea.

Personally I think many of the European sides will suffer in the next stages 
(with the heat catching up on them)
and if the USA play Germany... I'll go for the US! 

Norman

    .74:
    You  are kidding, right? (About Klinsmann being world class, about the
    finals, etc.). If the Koreans would have had a true scorer they would
    have won the game. They are really good soccer players, just missing
    the final 'push'. The same is not true for the 'international selects',
    aka USA. US is about the only team Germany can push over to reach the
    next round.

    Well, you can say that Klinsmann's first against Korea was a gem, but
    the other two goals Korea conceded were just incredibly bad goal
    keeping. The keeper should already have cut out the cross (?) that hit
    the post and then where were the defenders. As far as the third is
    concerned the commentator put it pretty well: even a ten year old
    schoolboy would heve been ashamed of letting that one through.
    Korea deserved to win that one. So far to me Germany is the biggest
    disappointment of this world cup even though I normally support them.
    Now I think I'll have to go for Argentina, who show real desire to
    perform.
    
    Gabor

    No, Italy is even more thumbs down. They are extremely lucky not to be
    eliminated already. At least Ger. won its (weak) group.
    
    Among the 4 'super-powers' only the south american seem to still be
    good (Bra, Arg), the europ. side (Ita, Ger) is out soon.

    
    ....don't let the Germans kid you. They've done what they set out to do
    - win their group - and probably expended the least energy of the
    European clubs to do it. They now face (I think) either Russia or Saudi
    Arabia in the next round followed by either Mexico or Nigeria in the
    1/4 final. The Germans may have looked weak, but for me they epitomise
    "professional football". Could be a hard semifinal against Argentina!
    
    JBG 

    I agree. Never underestimate Germany, especially in such tournaments.
    

    
    Germany are probably the most professional outfit in the tournament.
    They seem to know what it takes to get to end stages of any tournament.
    However, the best planning in the world may not compensate for a lack
    of ability and/or form. This team at the moment looks to be
    struggling.. I'm sure they'll get it right...but of course at this
    stage ....1 mistake and you're OOOOOOUT!!!
    
    Dezzz. 
    

    They will not win vs. Russia, if it is Russia. They may be
    'professional', but very slow mostly, without harmony within the team
    and without an inspirational coach. In the past they didn't have to
    have the same amount of talent because they could over-compensate this 
    with planning and stamina. The latter is missing now (especially in the
    heat). So, planning and professionalism will not be enough this time.
    And talking about saving energy: Did you see them 'dying' throughout
    the whole 2nd half vs. Korea? When guys who rely totally on physical
    strength get old (Brehme, Buchwald, also Mathaeus and Kohler) there
    is not much left. They might proceed a bit with luck, but Arg. or
    Braz. will be too much. Even Sweden or Belgium.

    hate to say it, but stamina and endurance are more suited to the older
    players. also the russians will be affected by the heat as much as the
    germans, they both come from relativity cooler climates.

    RE.-1
    Only difference:
    Russia played at least 1 good match in the first round, while the
    Germans have played all terrible matches (so far).
    
    I for one wouldn't be surprised if Russia beats Germany.
    
    Marcel

Any comments Regarding the sending home of Effenburg. I guess the whole of
Germany is breathing a sigh of relief.

Apparently He gave the finger sign to the crowd in the game v South Korea, and
Berti Vogts sent him home, saying his international career is over

Al

    Well, for me it was O.K. to sent him home. He showed his finger to the
    people, which pay his wages, by attending the games. He played a worse
    match and the crowd did blame him for that. Afterwards he informed
    Berti Vogts, that he does not regret anything. A little bit more
    customer orientation would have been helpful, but Effenberg was known
    in Germany for treating the audience like that.
    
    When he played in Germany the fans often sang songs like 'Effenberg Du 
    A******h', even when he was playing for Germany.
    
    Frank 

    Steffen Effenberg has been sent home for making a gesture at the German
    crowd during the game. The crowd where calling for his substitution
    which he seems to has resented a little. According to the German
    manager, he'll never play for Germany again. 
    
    This has to very bad for moral with the German team especially after
    the poor performance against South Korea in the second half. 
    
    Fintan

    
    You've got to take your hat off to Vogts really. At least he had the
    b****** to send one of "his" star prima-donnas home.
    
    Tony
    
    

    
    Mark, I agree that stamina and endurance get better with age as in
    marathon runners but that's a different requirement. What's needed is
    the ability to endure 'bursts' over 100 minutes (that seems to be the
    length of today's game) which is why they say that a footballer usually
    peaks at 28; but that figure is adjusted to how well a player keeps
    himself and the style of football he/his team employs. 
    
    	Dezzz.
    
    	

He's obviously been a naughty boy... but personally after this World Cup, I 
think it's Vogts career that will be over ;-)

Norman

    
    Not exactly 'hats off to Vogts'.
    
    Egidius Braun, the chief of the German football association wants to 
    send Effenberg home.  
    
    The team thinks that is a bit harsh for a punishment. 
    
    Vogts is then going for a less draconian act. 
    
    Braun says 'either Effenberg will go, or I'll retract the entire team!'
    
    Effenberg goes, after 'joint decision' of Braun and Vogts.
    
    
    That's what my teletext says :-)
    
    Heiko