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Home , Berti Vogts, Hansi Flick, Mats Hummels, Miroslav Klose, Sepp Herberger, Shkodran Mustafi

SoccerNews Issue # 02, June 19th 2014

Continental/Division Tires Alexander Bahlmann Phone: +49 511 938 2615 Head of Media & Public Relations PLT E-Mail: [email protected] Buettnerstraße 25 | 30165 Hannover www.contisoccerworld.de SoccerNews # 02/2014 2

The countdown to the group match against World Cup records Ghana on Saturday began with a 2.10 hours flight from Porto Seguro to Fortaleza. The en- counter with the West Africans will kick off at German World Cup records I 16:00hrs local time (21:00 CEST). The weather conditions at this northernmost World Cup Lothar Matthäus holds the record for the venue, and the nearest to the equator, could most World Cup matches played since be even hotter and more humid than during 1930. The captain of the 1990 German the 4-0 win over Portugal in Salvador last World Cup champion team competed in Monday. And there is the danger that Joachim 25 World Cup matches. Further Germans in Loew’s successful eleven that shone against the top ten: in fourth place Portugal will need changes. “But we are hope- (21 matches), joint eighths are Wolfgang ful that Jerome Boateng and Overath and (19 each). can play”, said Loew’s assistant Matthäus competed in five World Cup before the departure. finals, more than any other player. The two defenders, who were both injured during Monday’s opener, had been flown by German World Cup records II helicopter on Tuesday to a private hospital 60kms away in Eunapolis. Examination results It is currently a record chase in which only showed that Boateng had suffered a torn liga- German international players are involved. ment in his thumb and has to wear a splint on Brazilian Ronaldo still heads the all-time his right hand for the next six weeks. Before World Cup scoring ranking with 15 goals, each match the referees have to agree to him but this can be equalled, or even sur- playing, but according to Flick there should passed, by Miroslav Klose (14) at the 2014 be no concerns. It is certain that the Munich FIFA World Cup™ finals. Klose is currently player will play, and come up against his half- joint second with Gerd Mueller (also 14), World Cup insight brother Kevin-Prince Boateng. It is possible who was topped by Ronaldo in 2006. that the 25-year-old will take over Hummels’s position in central defence. For Hummels German World Cup records III Match plan set for Ghana – has suffered a contusion in his right thigh with haemorrhaging in the muscle – an injury Helmut Schoen was the coach in charge more complicated than Boateng’s thumb. Question mark about Hummels at the highest number of matches at FIFA World Cup™ finals. The former German The player, also 25, is under con- national coach led the national team in 24 stant treatment by the DFB’s physiotherapists, World Cup matches. Brazilian Carlos Alberto At 20:30hrs local time on Thursday – one-and-a-half hours into and team training took place without him. Parreira, nowadays the technical director Plan B has already been set in place in the Friday in – the German national team started their with the World Cup hosts, is runner-up with coaches’ room. After substituting Hummels 23. holds fifth place with 18 second stage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ finals. against Portugal, could join matches. the starting eleven as right outside defender, allowing Boateng to move into central defence. SoccerNews # 02/2014 3

Boom’s Brazil However, it would seem the Spanish nutrition and team-building experts backed the wrong horse – or rather, cow. Although the flesh was willing (well cooked and delicious, if a TV re- port before the Chile game is anything to go ’s lucky streak by), the spirit came up short. It finished 0:2, a team lacking inspiration overrun by a band of rampant Chileans in the Maracanã. What Rotund German World Cup fans singing was it legendary German TV commentator “Und so seh’n Sieger aus” (This is what win- Heribert Fassbender once exclaimed in not- dissimilar circumstances? If memory serves, ners look like) have our correspondent it was during a tennis doubles match involv- pondering the appearance of winners – and ing a lionhearted South American pair: “The Chileans are on fire!” he cried. The Spanish losers. And lesson of the day: cows aren’t haven’t come close to catching light in Brazil, their flames comprehensively doused before necessarily the answer. by Freddy Boom they’d even got going. Would things have been different had they thrown some tofu Do vegans watch the World Cup? Vegetarians? Don’t ask me. schnitzel on the barby instead? I do know a vegan – and two vegetarians, come to that – but our paths haven’t crossed since the celebration of the beauti- Another cause to rewind was provided by a ful game got underway in Brazil. That might be because my memorable Monday evening and the world- current routine consists of storming out of the office, all pur- wide reports after Germany v Portugal. I poseful stride and tunnel vision, at 5pm, stacking the beers in watched the game on a friend’s sofa, then the fridge (along with a maté-lemonade mix to stave off eyelid- caught the U-Bahn train back home. The droop during the late games), ripping open the potato chips train passed by the city’s largest fan fest and and opening the door to my (non-vegan) football buddies. stopped at a station just around the corner Do I not have a wife and kids? I don’t know anymore. A World from the main entrance. A sea of black, red Cup like this engulfs your everyday existence like a new boss and gold promptly flooded into our carriage. blustering into the office, wanting to changing everything at Hoot, hoot, roar, roar! Now, don’t get me a stroke – and proceeding to do so. Any thoughts of a normal wrong – I’ve got nothing against youthful day, a normal evening especially, were put on ice on June 12. exuberance; I like a good party and during the But I digress – blame it on a brain scrambled by a crash diet of game I cast off the shackles and danced a little televised football. Where was I? Scrambled? Oh yes, vegetarians. celebratory samba on the aforementioned couch. But I refuse to leave my seat on a train Joy for all herbivores: Spain are going home! That after coach when the battle cry goes up of “Stand up if prescribed a barbeque as a kind of culi- you’re German”. It always sounds slightly odd, nary team-bonding exercise in preparation for the country’s and let’s be honest, not only on a train. Three second group match; there would be an 18oz Brazilian steak men in their mid-twenties were among those or two with every player’s name on it/them. That was the who found their way into the carriage: black/ World Cup-winning coach’s confidence-recovery plan for the A little off-color? Brazil’s Neymar sported a new hair-do in the 0:0 draw with Mexico. Chile game, following the 1:5 hiding against the Netherlands. Photo: Getty Images SoccerNews # 02/2014 4

Quotes of the day Putting a small jinx on Even with all his Klose would be nice. experience, Klose couldn’t find a way to score from the bench.

Former Brazil star striker Ronaldo fears for his status as the World Cup’s all-time top scorer, with 15 goals. The Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper on striker Miroslav Klose (still on 14 World Cup goals at the time)

red/gold hats, flags, wristbands, red cheeks he hoping for another “streak” of luck of the players in general should spend less time conditioned Adonis. Müller looks like he has and glazed eyes all present and correct. The sort his team enjoyed in the opening match before big games tinkering with their hair. Or just woken up.” America’s Washington Post trio were, it has to be said, carrying more than against Croatia – when an errant referee gave their facial flora, come to that. ’s warmed to a similar theme, reckoning the a little surplus weight. Indeed, they were most him the chance from the penalty spot? Luck 70s porno ‘tache certainly brought no luck top scorer from the last World Cup in South likely heavier than the whole of the German was in rather shorter supply in the Mexico for Portugal as Germany ran out 4:0 win- Africa is more likely to be confused “with a team put together. And they repeated their game, which finished 0:0 despite the inter- ners. And who was it that scored a hat-trick? Munich Footlocker salesman than one of the chorus in a constant loop: “This is what winners vention of Neymar’s new blond streaks. Less A gangling Bavarian, lacking in either facial game’s top players.” So, for the remainder of look like!” It’s catchier in German, by the way. surprising, surely, was that Dani Alves’ deci- hair or extrovert coif. Indeed, Thomas Müller’s the World Cup, all superstars – wannabe and sion to dye his hair gray before the date with extraordinarily ordinary appearance even established – be advised: less of the show- So what do winners look like? Hmm. Nowa- Mexico failed to herald good fortune. Maybe aroused the curiosity of competing nations. man, more of the shoe salesman please. Yes, days, it’s almost easier to say what winners he’d just been rubbing some of that new The Times newspaper in England led with: that goes for you, too, Mr. Ronaldo. And while don’t look like. Like Neymar, for example. Why referee’s foam into his locks? Either way, he “Müller takes center stage from Ronaldo.” And you’re about it, I’d stay off the steak. did the Brazilian superstar dye his hair blond looked like his grandfather – and played as reflected: “Ronaldo is a diamond-studded, before the second game versus Mexico? Was if he were one. Perhaps professional football 24-carat icon, a perfectly groomed, exquisitely SoccerNews # 02/2014 5

finals in Brazil. “That’s my team”, he stresses. There won’t be a jubilant in the stands of the World Cup Stadium in Recife on June 26, should the USA manage to score a goal against the DFB selection. The scenario isn’t totally absurd with the former German national coach assuming a titillating side-job prior to the World Cup finals – as special advi- sor to his friend Juergen Klinsmann with the US national team, the third and last German group opponents after Portugal and Ghana.

“He sat in the stands and came into the locker room during the half-time break to outline his thoughts. We are pleased that Berti helps us and watches the opponents”, said Klinsmann after the victory over Ghana. “It is a great honour, after all he is the last coach to win a title with Germany”. Before they drove to the stadium in Natal with the US team, they both watched the German 4-0 win over Portugal on TV in the hotel.

Berti Vogts (right) speaks with Andreas Herzog, assistant coach of Jurgen Klinsmann during the halftime of Vogts acts in the background, and doesn’t Head coach Berti Vogts with Jurgen Klinsmann (Photo: the U.S. game against Ghana to give him tactical advice. (Photo: Getty Images) get involved with Klinsmann’s daily team Getty Images) training work at the accommodation in Sao The country and its people Paulo. He is the man to analyse the opposing preparation matches. And of course he gives teams, in a manner of speaking the same every advice sought by Klinsmann, and they way Urs Siegenthaler does for Germany. Will don’t limit that to immediate opponents only. Berti advise on Germany? Not at all, assures “He has a lot of expertise and experience. He

Agent Berti on US mission Vogts. “Juergen knows the players much bet- knows what’s important to be successful at ter than I do”. He could hardly uncover new the highest level”, said Klinsmann, praising his The first victory has been achieved, with the USA defeating Ghana secrets. The 67-year-old has concentrated mentor as they use this Vogts coup in the de- 2-1 in an exciting match in Natal. on the important tasks of preparations for cisive push to reach the last sixteen. The joint the first group match against Ghana, and the project is limited to the World Cup finals only, next against Portugal in Manaus. In order for afterwards Vogts will resume his job as Juergen Klinsmann fully expressed his joy, while Berti Vogts celebrated more quietly. His to provide Klinsmann with the best possible head coach of Azerbaijan. But before that hap- change of sides had caused a great stir. There was even talk about “00 Berti”. But Vogts cer- expertise, Vogts vastly increased his Miles & pens, Joachim Loew will have to win against tainly doesn’t see himself as a spy or deserter. He said it was greatly exaggerated in the public More account. No distance was too far as he two former German national coaches. eye. Naturally he keeps his fingers crossed for the German national team at the World Cup watched the group opponents during their SoccerNews # 02/2014 6

mann, Head of Media and Public Relations Passenger and Light Truck Tires. “Our tires are the only connection between the buses and the road.” Dr. Andreas Esser, Head of the Busi- ness Unit Commercial Vehicle Tires at Conti- nental, adds: “We’re proud that our premium bus tires are being used on the team buses at the World Cup. The ContiGol guarantees maxi- mum safety both for the professional foot- ballers during the tournament and for drivers and passengers in everyday use.” Fittingly, the ContiGol Urbano is produced at Continental’s Camaçari tire factory in Bahia, Brazil – and is intended for sale in Brazil, Ecuador, Columbia and Venezuela.

The Seleçao is hoping the Continental tires will carry them all the way to the final in their home World Cup. Photo: Continental

Did you know … tires, mostly split between two axles: two his players! The ContiGol also comes with Air- tires at the front, four at the rear. All the tires Keep technology. A denser molecular struc- … that Continental tires will be are decorated with stylized footballs on the ture on the inside of the tire tread ensures sidewall, the FIFA World Cup logo and a color that tire pressure is maintained at the opti- carrying this year’s world Continental logo. The World Cup tires have mum level for up to 50 per cent longer than is champions to the trophy? been developed, produced and delivered by possible using conventional technologies. This Continental, one of the official sponsors of the results in better driving characteristics – and, FIFA World Cup in Brazil. as every team manager knows, the smallest Inside the stadium, the coaches have the final details matter when it comes to preparing for say. The tactical planners on the sidelines will The ContiGol Urbano tire was developed spe- important games in a World Cup tournament. decide whether the team should play 4-4-2, cially for the specific demands of city traffic in Making sure the team has a smooth journey 4-3-3 or 3-4-3. However, there is one set-up Brazil. In the cites hosting most of the World to the stadium is certainly one such detail. All shared by all the 32 national teams at this Cup stadia, stop-start traffic and frequent the transfer buses used by guests of Conti- year’s World Cup: the classical 2-4. Of course, changes of speed are the order of the day. A nental are also fitted with the World Cup tires. this refers not to the positions of Müller, Rob- new rubber compound increases the distance “As an official sponsor of the World Cup, we ben & co. on the pitch, but those of the tires each tire can run for by 30 per cent com- appreciate the responsibility we have for the Tires for the World Cup: All 32 World Cup teams are on their bus. All the team buses serving this pared to the predecessor model – another safety of the world’s best professional football traveling on the ContiGol Urbano. Photo: Continental year’s World Cup squads are fitted with six characteristic any coach would welcome in players and our guests,” says Alexander Bahl- SoccerNews # 02/2014 7

Today they are represented in larger numbers at this very important location. For it is not only the German national team that have chosen to put up their World Cup base camp “Cam- po Bahia” in the region, for they are joined by the Swiss. They are staying just 15km away in the region that has developed into a popular Brazilian holiday destination.

“We made a perfect choice”, says German Ottmar Hitzfeldt, Switzerland’s national coach. They won their first match 2-1 against Ecuador, with France and Honduras to follow. The Swiss are accommodated at the resort “La Torre”, the best hotel for miles. This was thought to be too busy by , the team manager of the German national team, so he did not book it for the German Football Association (DFB). He gladly accepted the offer from German investors eager to build a brand new, smaller resort. The Swiss team are staying on a busier part of the coast with many hotels and simple accommodation, about 18km north of the city of Porto Seguro and its airport. “La Torre” belongs to Coroa Vermelha.

The German team has retreated even further. In order to reach their accommodation, they have to cross the large River Joao Ferry, which must also make the team on their way to the games. di Tiba by ferry from Santa Cruz Cabralia (named after the discoverer). Just 800 people live at Santo Andre, a quiet, con- The country and its people templative village, situated between the river and the Atlantic. The practice grounds are in the dunes at Praia das Tartarugas (turtle beach). The coast of discovery could be the starting point for the fourth World Cup title for the DFB. “I don’t put it Swiss and German teams are neighbours past the German team”, says Ottmar Hitzfeldt. He was then asked whether he has the same confidence in his own team. The coast of discovery is becoming the coast of victors. The region around Porto Seguro “It would be a dream, but then Germany wouldn’t be in the is called “Costa do Descobrimento” because more than 500 years ago the Portuguese final”. For the two teams could meet earlier. voyager Pedro Álvares Cabral landed here. Thus the Europeans had discovered South America. SoccerNews # 02/2014 8

Will the Spanish team be taking the bus back home? Probably not, although Curitiba’s eco-friendly transport system make this an option to be recommended. Photo: Mariordo

Did you know … at least they will be able to make use of one Novembro, then one of Curitiba’s main traffic by CO2 emissions have been dramatically of the world’s most modern and environment- arteries, was consequently closed to motor reduced. Around 85 per cent of the city’s two- … that the Brazilian city of Curi- friendly transport systems on their way to vehicles and the road network completely million people now use local public transport, the airport. Coach Vicente del Bosque’s team re-designed. which will take them to any point in the city tiba has one of the world’s most have been staying in Curitiba, the capital of for a single tariff. Every 90 seconds a bus will advanced transport systems the state of Paraná, southern Brazil, during Today, long, parallel streets connect the vari- pull up at each stop. But it’s not only the trans- their short-lived World Cup campaign. ous districts of the city. Traffic flows around port system that has ensured Curitiba has rings which spread out from the center. Only developed into Brazil’s environmental capital. Football fans can be a cruel breed. “(Insert With the population of this industrial metropo- large-capacity buses carrying up to 270 The city is also littered with green spaces; name of club here) go home” is a popular lis expanding rapidly in the , architect people each can drive in the center. Next are some 30 parks covering a total of 81 million chant sung – in the local language – in cities Jaime Lerner – who was later to become may- one-way roads for normal buses and in the square meters lend the cityscape a green hue. around the world to wave a losing team on or – proposed reducing traffic in the center third row come small buses serving more out- Indeed, Curitiba has around 51 square meters its way. Spain will be bidding farewell to this of the city. In this way, the historical heritage lying districts. Each route also has a car lane. of green space for every resident. World Cup rather earlier than expected, of of Curitiba and the quality of life in this grow- This road system ensures that traffic jams course. But every cloud has a silver lining, and ing city could be preserved. The Rua XV de and therefore environmental pollution caused