FRANCE 98 – General Media News Template

Germany always start off as one of the favourites in any World Cup but the new ban on tackles from behind has coach Berti Vogts worried.

“Tackling is a skill and should not be underestimated. I will be watching the referee’s handling of the opening match to see how severe the ban will be,” admits Vogts, a former terrier in the German defence.

But clamp down or not Vogts will have his team ready to try and win their fourth World Cup. Germany’s World Cup record is impressive. They have competed in the finals everytime they have entered, the first time being in 1930 when they reached the semi-finals.

The country’s unification has only helped them. In 1996 they swept to the European Championship title in England. But the hero of Euro 96, Matthias Sammer, will not be in France. The first former East German to be voted European Footballer of the Year, has failed to overcome a knee problem that saw him miss most of last season and has declared himself out of the running.

Vogts, knowing his importance, had left the door open to the last minute, but the ever honest Sammer admitted he would not be fit in time. Instead the veteran Lothar Matthaus has been called back into the squad. Until his call-up the 37-year-old had not worn a German jersey for four years. Also assured his place is the ageing Jurgen Klinsman who delivered on his million pound contract to save English premiership side Tottenham from relegation.

The blonde-haired Klinsmann seems to have redicovered his goal scoring skills and Vogts fully understands the experience and coolness that Klinsmann brings to the team.

Although Klinsmann and Matthaus are far from being close both players have agreed that winning the World Cup is more important than personal disagreements.

Germany may have an old squad but they will write off Fance as a failure if they do not make the semi-finals at least.