Euro 2008 Preview: Germany

By: Phillip Boran
Soccer City FC

Player Spotlights

Goalkeeper: Jens Lehmann - 38 year old keeper’s last outing for the national team. Jens has a lot to prove if he wants to continue his club career.

Left Back: Philipp Lahm - The 24 year old Bayern Munich back will prove to be an offensive threat when the defense least expects it. As long as Lahm doesn’t get tired around the 65’ mark, he should fair well.

Center Midfielder: Michael Ballack – The Chelsea midfielder is showing his age but will prove to dominate the midfield for Germany.

Striker: Miroslav Klose – The former Werder Bremen, now Bayern Munich man will have to show that World Cup form again.

Group B Opponents

Austria – The other co-host to the tournement, should prove to be an easy team for Germany.

Croatia – They spoiled England’s chances to qualify for this competition, and should prove to be not as powerful as they were in the qualification stages.

Poland – Should prove to challenge for 2nd spot in this group, and maybe even surprise Germany.

Form Question

Will the 3 from Bayern Munich - Bastian Schweinsteiger, Philipp Lahm, and Lukas Podolski, relive their 2006 World Cup form?

Tactical Question

What if Michael Ballack goes down with an injury or proves to be in bad form?

Prediction

I see them getting out of the group stages with little problem. The ability to get to the semi-finals is there, just a matter of following through.