Originally posted by MacStripey:oh oh, that is how everyone sees it - that the German team is a favorite for the title. The boys sure are, but there is an immense pressure on them. The media here in Germany as well as the fans expect them to win the title. It's not like "we hope they'll come far in the tournament", it's more like "how well will they present themselves on their way to the title".
I really hope they can stand this pressure. It is huge.
Don't they look at Spain?.. I mean Spain are the defending champions and they're world champions. They defeated Germany on their way to both titles.
Who builts up this pressure? Is it just press, or are the public and the former players in it aswell? I read something Berti Vogts said about the dutch team, he thinks Germany can easily beat us, because our defense lacks pace. Do people like Beckenbauer and Hoeness join in this pressure-building?
That being said, Germany is my favourite aswell. Mostly because Spain is missing some important players (Puyol and Villa) and I still believe there's trouble between the Barca and the Real players.
Still it won't be easy for Germany. I believe either France or Sweden will give them a hard time in the possible semi-final. And the groupstage is going to be tough, although Denmark and Portugal don't have the qualities the dutch team and Germany possess..
Let's be positive about the next three weeks
