Wednesday, June 23, 2004
Scotsman.com Sport - Latest News - Second-Rate Germans Crash OutSecond-Rate Germans Crash Out
From Martyn Ziegler, PA Chief Sports Reporter, Lisbon
Rudi Voller admitted that his side, once the powerhouse of world football, can no longer compete with the big boys in Europe.
Germany crashed out of the European Championships following a 2-1 defeat by a reserve Czech Republic side – Liverpool striker Milan Baros coming off the bench to score a classy winner and secure his side’s 100% record in the group.
They now face Denmark in Sunday’s quarter-final in Porto, while the once formidable Germans trudge home.
Voller said: “We cannot match the great and big footballing nations any more, although things are looking brighter for the future.
“Our weakness is our attack and although we had so many chances in the second half we were unable to take any of them.”
Voller, who guided Germany to the final of the World Cup only two years ago, also conceded that he will now be forced to consider his position.
He added: “I have got a contract up to and including the next World Cup but I am realistic enough to know that this disappointment means that a public debate will now follow.
“There are various scenarios that I have thought through and we will have a joint analysis with the president and general secretary of the German football federation, but that would have happened anyway.
“It’s very difficult to say what will happen straight after this disappointing exit so I just reserve my final opinion for the time being.”
Germany, despite having the outstanding Michael Ballack who opened the scoring with a sensational volley, were second-best in the first half as man-of-the-match Marek Heinz’s equally-special free-kick pulled the Czechs level.
Even when desperation sent the Germans attacking in numbers they could not find the finish despite numerous opportunities.
Voller added: “We had a great chance to proceed to the quarter-finals but sadly we did not manage that.
“As far as the team is concerned I have no reproaches whatsoever, the players behaved in exemplary fashion in terms of commitment and team spirit, but there were some deficiencies which became obvious during the build-up to this tournament and we never managed to eradicate those.”
Czech coach Karel Bruckner refused to be drawn on how he would approach Sunday’s quarter-final, and denied that his side are now one of the leading contenders to be crowned champions.
Bruckner said: “Are we one of the favourites? I don’t think so.
“It was good work against Germany. I was a little bit irritated beforehand that people said we were intending to play a reserve or B team – we have no A or B team, all the players are members of the Czech national football team.
“I thought for a very long time who to put in the side – Pavel Nedved is slightly injured and Tomas Rosicky was a little bit tired after the first two matches.”
Bruckner also refused to rejoice at the Czechs’ long-overdue victory against a German side – the first in almost 40 years.
He added: “I wouldn’t say it was any particular satisfaction for me. There are other things much more important than that.”
From Martyn Ziegler, PA Chief Sports Reporter, Lisbon
Rudi Voller admitted that his side, once the powerhouse of world football, can no longer compete with the big boys in Europe.
Germany crashed out of the European Championships following a 2-1 defeat by a reserve Czech Republic side – Liverpool striker Milan Baros coming off the bench to score a classy winner and secure his side’s 100% record in the group.
They now face Denmark in Sunday’s quarter-final in Porto, while the once formidable Germans trudge home.
Voller said: “We cannot match the great and big footballing nations any more, although things are looking brighter for the future.
“Our weakness is our attack and although we had so many chances in the second half we were unable to take any of them.”
Voller, who guided Germany to the final of the World Cup only two years ago, also conceded that he will now be forced to consider his position.
He added: “I have got a contract up to and including the next World Cup but I am realistic enough to know that this disappointment means that a public debate will now follow.
“There are various scenarios that I have thought through and we will have a joint analysis with the president and general secretary of the German football federation, but that would have happened anyway.
“It’s very difficult to say what will happen straight after this disappointing exit so I just reserve my final opinion for the time being.”
Germany, despite having the outstanding Michael Ballack who opened the scoring with a sensational volley, were second-best in the first half as man-of-the-match Marek Heinz’s equally-special free-kick pulled the Czechs level.
Even when desperation sent the Germans attacking in numbers they could not find the finish despite numerous opportunities.
Voller added: “We had a great chance to proceed to the quarter-finals but sadly we did not manage that.
“As far as the team is concerned I have no reproaches whatsoever, the players behaved in exemplary fashion in terms of commitment and team spirit, but there were some deficiencies which became obvious during the build-up to this tournament and we never managed to eradicate those.”
Czech coach Karel Bruckner refused to be drawn on how he would approach Sunday’s quarter-final, and denied that his side are now one of the leading contenders to be crowned champions.
Bruckner said: “Are we one of the favourites? I don’t think so.
“It was good work against Germany. I was a little bit irritated beforehand that people said we were intending to play a reserve or B team – we have no A or B team, all the players are members of the Czech national football team.
“I thought for a very long time who to put in the side – Pavel Nedved is slightly injured and Tomas Rosicky was a little bit tired after the first two matches.”
Bruckner also refused to rejoice at the Czechs’ long-overdue victory against a German side – the first in almost 40 years.
He added: “I wouldn’t say it was any particular satisfaction for me. There are other things much more important than that.”
