With Joachim Low announcing a squad so young German paper rounds will be lacking in lads to goose step the ‘Berliner’ round the streets of a morning, it is a remote possibility that Man Utd may have got the wrong guy in Louis this summer and should have asked Low about his after WC intentions.
Low in my opinion will either step down or be asked to leave at the end of this year’s World Cup and any club wanting a manager to develop players over the next 5 years will do much worse than the ex Klinsmann protégé. Low is also the solution to the problem Chelsea have in not developing their own players and would furthermore make a popular and suitable replacement for Wenger when they loose the FA cup to Hull and calls for Arsens head re-emerge. With both Mouriniho and Wenger unlikely to budge this summer Low will see Tottenham as beneath him and probably look to manage in a Champions league team elsewhere in Europe.
German success should and will be measured by an appearance in the semi finals or final and it is under these circs that Low would voluntarily step aside, however should we see Germany fall at the group of 16 for example he would not have the privilege. So, what outsiders are there this year?
My top tip for the semis is Belgium who also have a shout at having the golden boot winner in their squad. With Mingolet or Courtis in goal, Vertongen, Kompany, Hazard, Felani, Mirelles, Benteke if fit (poss Januzai) and Lukaku in the group they should beat any African team just because of the latters unorganized nature and indiscipline. In fact Belgium’s team is so good bookies have given odds as short as 14/1 on them lifting it. Lack of first hand knowledge of tournament football together should see this doesn’t happen but a semi final place is on the cards. In fact, with a lucky draw as Turkey and Sweden have had in recent tournaments a semi final spot is a distinct poss and if any one player scores 4 or 5 goals he could be a golden boot winner going on previous records (the past two World Cups have seen 5 goals win it) It is not beyond the realms of possibility for Hazard to score two vs Algeria and perhaps another two against Russia and South Korea is it? Hazard also takes the pens for his national side one bookie has Hazard at 100/1 to win the golden boot!
So, think on. Belgium sound a silly punt for winners but with there progress fairly nailed on considering the group and then in knockout competition even average teams can have a easyish ride through. With 5 or 6 goals likely to take the golden boot trophy maybe you should all think again.
Alexander Dawson 