Having grown from suspect side to national darlings in three victories, Juergen Klinsmann's Germany team faces Sweden in the second round of the World Cup with expectations it wouldn't have predicted a few weeks ago.
Crowds made euphoric by Germany's perfect start have begun to dream beyond the quarterfinals and anything but a win today in Munich would be considered a failure.
"We wanted to win the group, we scored three victories, we got more confidence and we are growing as a team," Klinsmann said. "Now, the real World Cup is beginning. We have fantastic fans and great support and this integration with our fans is great, but we have to keep our feet on the ground."
PHOTO: AP
When he became Germany coach two years ago, Klinsmann promised to lead the host nation to its fourth World Cup title.
The Germans admired his upbeat approach and credited it to the can-do attitude he must have picked up in his adopted homeland of the US, but were skeptical of how realistic the promise was.
While the media doubted and often damned him, the fans enjoyed it: they started a love affair with Klinsmann's young, daring, attacking team that had cast away the dour efficiency of the previous generations and was fun to watch.
Klinsmann's team paid them back by giving Germany its best World Cup start in 36 years and now it may have a problem -- even the doubters have become believers.
There has been much second-guessing whether Klinsmann would stay on if Germany loses; he has been noncommittal.
While remaining confident, Klinsmann has tried to keep a cool head.
"In the knockout stage, it's also a matter of being strong mentally," he said.
"With the first three wins, we've picked up a lot of confidence and motivation. But it's going to be very, very hard on Saturday and we'll have to improve. Sweden deserves our full respect," Klinsmann said.
Klinsmann and his staff were impressed at how Sweden twice rallied after falling behind against England to earn a 2-2 draw.
"They are a very uncomfortable team to play against. They are strong in the back, they are strong up front," assistant coach Joachim Loew said. "Their set pieces are a great danger, they are very precise and sharp. They play at high pace, they apply pressure, they have the confidence that they can score late in the game."
The Germans spent much of Thursday's session practicing set pieces and defending against them.
Sweden, on the other hand, spent most of Thursday resting and practicing penalties.
"Eating, drinking and sleeping -- that's absolutely most important," coach Lars Lagerback said in Bremen. "You have to get fresh again after playing three [group] matches and now we only have three days of rest."
Lagerback called for an experienced referee to cope with the pressure created by massive German support.
Germany will have the biggest fan support in Munich, with only 20,000 Swedes expecting to obtain tickets to the match in the 66,000-seat stadium.
FIFA appointed Carlos Simon of Brazil to referee the match.
Both teams were to fly to Munich yesterday and train at the arena in the evening.
"It will only be a very light session tomorrow because it's all about getting back in perfect physical condition again," Lagerback said.
Sweden holds a 13-12 edge over Germany, with six draws.
All Sweden players are fit except for striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who sustained a left groin injury during warmup before the Paraguay game.
"He practiced yesterday and it's going in the right direction," Lagerback said.
"But it's one thing to have a practice for 65 minutes and then play a match. But we're hopeful," he added.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely