SPURred On

In the 94/95 season of the EPL, Tottenham Hotspur signed on Juergen Klinsmann.

He scored on his debut and also on his home debut. He scored 29 goals in all that season and was named Football Writers' Player of the Year 1995. In Italy they nicknamed him Kataklinsmann for the devastation he caused...on the field that is. He made a lethal partnership with Teddy Sheringham and they scored 52 goals between them. He was a legend in his ten months there. Two seasons later 97/98, he came back and saved Spurs from relegation.

Today, he brings much promise to Germany. He may not have suceeded in getting Germany to the finals but for such a young side and a first season coach, a 3rd placing is commendable and brings much promise to Deutchland. They lost out to an Italy that was was far superior in defence as well as offence in the quarter finals. Klinsmann has brought on attacking football to a nation that was predominantly defensive and boring. He has managed to win over many neutrals of the game and won over many more lovers of the game.

Beating Portugal 3 - 1 for the third place was justice done at best. Germany showed Portugal how to play football. Portugal looked at odds with themselves while trying to play football. They have been "wrestling" much of the tournament. Ronaldo still boo-ed whenever he touches the ball was warned by the referee to not fall over like a leaf at the drop of a pin. His game improved and showed he can play joga bonito and in fact the rest of the Portuguese showed that they can play too. What a waste of talent if they chose to embark into the glitz and glamour of WWF.

The Germans meanwhile showed the world how football is played with two and a half great goals from Sebastian Schweinsteiger. Olie Kahn was given the opportunity to start and what a marvellous display from this great man pulling off great saves from Ronaldo and Deco. Germany has played wonderful football throughout the tournemant. This win is another display of German efficiency with grace.

Football is avenged. Joga Bonito is avenged. Justice is done. Klinsmann has dared to be different...much like Spurs motto, Audere est Facere...To Dare is To Do.