joao wrote:
When I read 'technical ability' I wonder what is meant by this. Germany have won three world cups, and
can anyone name a German player with what was meant by 'technical ability' and how many of these they have?
Germany have excelled via team discipline, cohesion, and individual focus, which is the main ingredient towards their successes.
Now to the main issues of the thread. The US can win the world cup faster than the Africans because their general
culture can help easily assimilate and execute the German model. Add to that the abundance of minority athletes
that can sometimes produce some diabolical performances, and the USA might even win two before any African country.
I think colloquially this comes down to an individual being able to change a game on a superb individual effort, especially in a flash. It's the ability to especially dribble and keep close control, beating several players, opening up space and time for not only yourself, but teammates. Obviously Messi is an extreme example.
I think it's also a Zidane type. Decent dribbling skills, but also extremely smart in dictating the passing and possession game. Xavi. Iniesta. Mateus. Breitner.
But I agree with you on this current Germany team. They all have solid individual skills: trapping, tackling, passing, okay dribbling. But none are game breakers. Either with individual ability or having a master general like the midfielders I listed.
As you imply, Germany is greater than the sum of the parts. They rely on fitness, tactics, discipline, football IQ, and power. But they don't have a game breaker. This might cost them today.
Here's the thing. I believe a Hulk is capable of breaking a game open. Brazil has some issues weaving offensive play. Especially now with Neymar gone. But I can see Hulk deciding to bull and dribble and create something. Even Oscar, in a moment of gut check brilliance.
Again, I just can't see this from any German. They're always going think about
doing the right thing...if that makes sense. They don't have a Karl-Heinz Rumminegge, who could and would dribble and try to low % option, having faith in his skill.
Germany has ALWAYS had trouble with teams that feature such players. Especially giants like Brazil and Italy, even Argentina when they have a talisman like Maradona. Well, today Germany is in the frying oil of such an opponent.
We will see.
Cheers, Mate