OK, so who honestly expected Germany to win 4-0 last night? Yes, Australia were poor but with beautiful free flowing football and goals galore it was an impressive performance. Most of all, it was the use of the new Jabulani ball [and particularly the way it was hit] that caught the eye. Podolski's shot for the opening goal was technically the best seen so far in the tournament but for a striker who only scored 9 goals last season perhaps it was also slightly surprising:
Or is it? Have the German just taken their ruthless efficiency to another level:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/6779183/Germany-steal-march-on-England-by-using-World-Cup-2010-matchball-in-Bundesliga.html
Lahm's cross for the second goal was pinpoint and although blame can perhaps be attributed to the 'keeper Mark Schwarzer, again it was technically sound. Clearly the German players were very comfortable and it is this early advantage which should help them in the early stages of the competition. Quite why the FA refused to accept Adidas' offer to the squad is ridiculous, particularly since the the Mitre ball which is used by England is heavy and does not play well on the heavily criticised Wembley surface. Would Heskey have scored had he had more shooting practice with it? It would perhaps be prudent to point out that other countries, notable USA and Argentina, have also been playing with it but this could arguably be countered by the fact that the "star" players of these squads tend to play in other European leagues.
Whatever the opinion, it will be interesting to see whether Germany can keep playing this brand of football into the latter stages of the competition. Whilst it is a known fact that the German football team should never be discounted at an international tournament, it would be a shame that their progression was due to their opponents' inability to kick a football.
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