Deutschland 2006: Surprising Roster Decisions Make Huge Impact
June 15th, 2006 by Emmett WilliamsLast night’s 1-0 defeat of Poland by Germany was a stark reminder at how much of a difference a small roster decision can make. Both teams were immensely affected by their decisions to include or not include certain players.
Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann decided he didn’t have enough speed in the lineup towards the end of the match. He called upon Oliver Neuville and David Odonkor. Neuville has appeared for his country 53 times and was certain to be on the World Cup roster. Though Odonkor had played for the U-21 and U-19 teams, he had no senior national team appearances and was called upon ahead of proven veteran Kevin Kuranyi.
The decision by Klinsmann to name Odonkor caused a huge backlash from the German public and press. But the coach defended himself saying the 22 year old “?gives us something we urgently need: speed, surprise and a bit of cheekiness.”
Klinsmann’s instincts were correct and Odonkor’s speed down the right side completely changed the complexion of the match, concluding with the injury time winner, started with a pass from Odonkor to Neuville.
Poland have not scored in their two World Cup matches and have looked bereft of ideas upfront. Curiously coach Pawel Janas decided to leave the Poles leading scorer during qualification, Tomasz Frankowski off of the team. Overall the striker, who plays for Wolverhampton in England, had scored 10 times in 18 national team appearances. But Janas was not convinced by Frankowski’s recent club form and he was left at home.
But in their matches against Germany and Ecuador, the Poles have not scored and have managed just 9 shots on target. Perhaps the next Polish coach, as Janas is sure to be replaced after this tournament, will get things right going into Euro 2008 qualification.
Explore posts in the same categories: World Cup 2006
June 15th, 2006 at 1:44 pm
I’ve been really surprised by how poor the Poles have been.
We had them in Belfast for the qualifiers and they tore Northern Ireland apart with some great displays of pace, power and skill and they were extremely dangerous throughout their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Obviously class has shown overall with Germany getting a 1-0 victory when they really could have won 4 or 5 nil with the amount of chances they missed.
I think you’re right about Janas being on his last legs as coach now as the decisions to leave both Frankowski and Dudek at home (despite the fine performance from Boruc in goal last night) seems to have been a miscalculated risk.
June 16th, 2006 at 7:44 am
Costa Rica were also awful. In fact, when you think that they finished above T&T in the qualifiers, you have to wonder how they managed to put in such gutless performances against Germany and Ecuador. It’s particularly puzzling when you consider that they have the same coaching staff that did so well four years ago in Corea/Japan.
To me, it’s another proof that a World Cup is won or lost way before the first ball is kicked. Four years ago, France made a laughing stock of themselves because of a disastrous preparation.
Looking at the first set of games, it’s quite obvious that some teams (Czech Republic, Spain, Portugal) are miles ahead of others (England, Costa Rica, France, Sweden). Of course, some of the latters will find their way to the second round and, from then on, there is so little between teams that anything can happen - see France 98 for a reminder.