The fallen legend..... "Bengis Kahn."

Peter (my housemate and colleague) and i watch the Germany vs Sweden match last saturday night. Much to our suprise, the match was lively and full of excitement. Peter was delighted with final score 2-0 of which was won by Germany. I can still picture his delightful grin and satisfactory smile whenever i close my eyes. I wonder if he had slept with that grin on his face until the next morning. hehe... Apparently, he join a competition organized by eastern times (previously known as Sarawak tribune) to predict the scores of all the matches after the group stage. I think he stands a good chance of at least winning the consolation prize.

It was a good match for the German. Miroslav Klose has really improved as a striker. Podolski is showing a good sign of a hot prospect for the future. Both of them showed good teamwork by complimenting each other during the game. They remind me of the chilean 'sa-za' (Marcelo Salas and Ivan Zamorano) combination in world cup 1998. I think the Germans stands a good chance of going to the final.

When all is going well for the Germans, there one person whom i think is unhappy in the German camp. Oliver Kahn, the first choice goalkeeper for Bayern Munich (who know's for how long), is well known for his arrogance and fighting spirit. His aggresion and determination strikes fear in any strikers who comes one on one with him during a game. Never mind that, even staring into his furious eyes could send chills down your spine (i could actually feel that now). It's because of this qualities, he is one of the most established and well known goalkeeper. His long CV could attract any big clubs to sign him. However, a glimpse of him sitting on the bench during that match sparks me with a new insights of him. He looks so human, so harmless. It was almost a pitiful sight. Losing his rank as a captain (to Ballack)and his position as a first choice keeper (to Lehmann) has surely crushed his image as arrogant legendary goalkeeper. His looks siting on the bench can tell you that he is not comfortable there, a disbelief stance, a 'i don't care' expression when his team scored. It's gives me a picture of a person whose pride is hurt but remained arrogant sitting on a 'pitypot'. No offense, but that was the picture i caught upon witnessing that particular moment. However, i do think that he should be the first choice goalkeeper for Germany.

Having said that, Lehmann also possess the same qualities as Kahn (only less scarry). With him (Lehmann) showing a good level of consistencies at every game. I think Kahn wouldn't be able to play for World cup 2006.

At the age of 38, this could be Kahn's last world cup as a player. Perhaps Hildebrand (German's third choice keeper) will take over as the first choice keeper during the 2010 world cup. I could understand his (Kahn) frustration and disgust. All he could hope and pray for right now is for Lehmann to get injured. Next match for the Germans is against Argentina. I think i will support Argentina. ;p