'Wow, the Germans have arrived!'
June 15, 2014
Joachim Löw grows impatient. Something's got to happen. Germany's coach leaves his observation post, heads towards his players and joins in with a five-on-two exercise. Thomas Müller, Philipp Lahm, Erik Durm, Toni Kroos, Matthias Ginter and Christoph Kramer put their manager in the middle, but don't go easy on him. Löw doesn't mind. He has had enough of watching on and he works hard to win the ball back from his charges. In the breaking light of the warm morning light, this isn't such an easy task, but Löw is in good shape. Most of his mornings begin with a six o'clock run down Santo André beach. It's how he likes to start the day and it offers him time to collect his thoughts.
For a long time, the center of those thoughts has been Portugal. They are the "world champions of the counterattack" according to Löw and the manager has warned of their speed, traits that Löw believes gives them the same level of quality as his own team. The pair will meet on Monday in Salvador (1600 UTC) and Löw's starting eleven are ready: "The team are in great mental shape."
Podolski outlines World Cup aspirations
The best example of Germany's current mental strength is Lukas Podolski. The Arsenal forward has said he wants to be more than just the joker in the squad. "I have one objective and that is to hold the trophy at the end of the tournament," said Germany's in-form attacker in a press conference on Saturday. A committed effort in the training camp in South Tyrol was followed up by a stunning performance against Armenia, leaving Podolski full of confidence as the World Cup approaches. After a season of highs and lows, Podolski is in great condition and is pressing for a starting spot. With Miroslav Klose the only out-and-out striker, many Germany fans believe that Podolski (and perhaps Müller) can be the source of Germany's goals.
The source of interest is something Podolski will always be though. The Arsenal man recently uploaded an image to Instagram which caused dismay on the Internet. Along with Mesut Özil, "Poldi" posed with arms folded and a stern face next to armed security guards guarding the Germany team while they're in Santo André. A number of online users suggested that considering the number of humanitarian issues in Brazil, taking this photo was a poor decision. Podolski though, doesn't understand what all the fuss is about: "They are simply people who are deployed in front of our hotel to protect us. They wanted a photo with us and so we took one," said the attacker, before adding that he wouldn't change his humor for anyone or anything. "I've been this way for years and those who know me, know that I haven't changed."
A decade of work
The 29-year-old has always been a favorite of Löw's and the pair represent a long journey that started a decade ago. Both were pivotal parts of Germany's resurgence back in 2004 and Löw has stood by Podolski, good or bad, ever since. Podolski is grateful to his coach for the reoccurring opportunity to represent his country. It's a symbiotic relationship and both the striker and the collective are looking to peak in Brazil.
"We have arrived at a point where talk of the title is serious. That wasn't the case at previous tournaments," said Podolski.
No more excuses
Podolski made his international debut at the same time Löw became assistant manager. At that time, Podolski and Bastian Schweinsteiger were the only two young names in the squad, whereas now any number of young stars can be plucked from a plethora of clubs.
Looking at those assembled in Brazil, Podolski feels the great potential of the squad is not only an opportunity but also a duty. After two third-place finishes in 2006 and 2010 respectively, a runners-up spot in 2008 and a semi-final defeat in 2012, Podolski doesn't want anymore excuses - especially not the weather.
Only black and white
"Yes, the conditions are different. But it shouldn't matter whether it's 50, 55 or 70 degrees Celsius on the pitch. It's irrelevant. I step onto the pitch and I want to win the game." This is typical "Poldi". The simplicity and clarity of his thoughts are often perceived as naïve, but this shouldn't distract from his determined sporting nature. There's no grey with Podolski. It's black and white, and the goal is always right in front of him.
At the moment, that goal is to defeat Portugal, and Podolski knows they are far more than just a one-man team.
Whether or not "Poldi" starts is still unknown, but if he does his pace and dynamic running will threaten Portugal and aid Germany towards an opening game victory. "Hopefully other teams will look at us and say: Wow, the Germans have arrived!"
A selfie, Mrs. Merkel?
German Chancellor Angela Merkal is expected to make a short visit to Brazil to see Löw and his side in their opening game. Podolski is hoping Mrs. Merkel meets the team again. "I'm sure she'll come by the changing rooms. We're happy that she's here. It's always something special. We're hoping we can take a selfie with her afterwards." Providing Germany win of course, there's no denying a selfie with Mrs. Merkel will be better received than Podolski's last Internet upload.