FIFA 2010 World Cup: Joachim Loew uncertain of future with Germany
The Germans were outclassed by the Spanish in the battle for supremacy in the semi-final encounter in South Africa 2010. Though the score line represented just a 1-0 victory for the La Furia Roja, it was enough for the Spanish to proceed to the final against a motivated Dutch side.
However, the match suggested that the Spanish had out-thought German Coach Joachim Loew and his men in each and every department of the game.
The Spanish played a very interesting strategy. They frustrated the Germans by keeping a majority of the ball possession by making pragmatic and prudent passes. Their technical and professional play got to the Germans in a fix. The Spaniards ran hard after the ball and tried to close in on the Germans which lead to their qualification to the final.
As it is well known that the Germany had one of the youngest teams in South Africa 2010. On the other hand, it was certainly the youngest team ever to be sent by Germany to this mega-event in their football history. Coupled with the absence of the veteran midfielder and captain of Germany Michael Ballack, the Germans were at a disadvantage in the game.
The second reason was clearly their coach. No matter how sharp Joachim Loew may have been in the tournament, he certainly couldn’t counter the Spanish strategy. For instance, the German passing and chemistry between the players was impeccable throughout the tournament. Experts claim that he should have answered the Spanish with a similar strategy instead of launching counter attacks whenever they got the chance to do so. They actually made the Spanish assault easier with their failed counter-attacks.
Many critics have blamed the young and inexperienced Joachim Loew for the defeat. The 50-year-old Loew has been quiet about his future plans which is why media reports suggest that the German is uncertain about his tenure with the national side.
Sources have revealed that his four-year contract with the German Football Association (DFB) actually became void on the 30th of June and though Loew and his men have produced one of the best examples of how to play football, Loew does not seem confident about his future.
While talking to media after the Spanish defeat in the semi-final, Loew said, “Any talk about the position will only be spoken about after the World Cup. This team will get stronger over the next two years, irrespective of which coach is in charge”.
In spite of the injuries before this tournament, the German team has impressed all and sundry with their offensive game play. They now go head-to-head against Uruguay to win the 3rd place in the tournament at Port Elizabeth.
One thing is for sure that the German midfielders Mesut Ozil and Thomas Mueller have stunned the world with their skill and will be strong nominees for the Best Young Player Award for South Africa 2010.
Loew will soon have to decide if he wants to stay with the German squad for the Euro 2012 which will take place in Poland and Ukraine. Their first match will be on the 3rd of September against Belgium in Brussels. Loew and Zwanziger though are eager to work together but it has been Loew who will have to start negotiations with DFB.
Loew came in to replace Jurgen Klinsmann after the last World Cup which was held in Germany. Loew has reputed himself as an intelligent strategist since then. There is speculation however that Loew could be replaced by the head of DFB Matthias Sammer, who has been around since Loew took hold of the position in 2006.
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