Attacking Mentality Stays, Klinsmann Says

In something reminiscent of England's tactics under Kevin Keegan, Klinsmann has employed the "if you score two we score three" approach on the basis of displays in the Confederations Cup. "We have a lot of fun playing the way we do and are always capable of scoring goals," said the Germany coach.

"Our emphasis is on attack and we will stick by this policy."

Germany were the tournament's top scorers netting 15 goals in their five Confederations Cup matches to finish third. Mexico had only conceded one goal in their three group matches but shipped in four during Wednesday's 4-3 third-place play-off defeat to Germany.

Attacking spearhead overwhelmed Mexico

It was another example of Germany's bold approach with two strikers supported by three attacking midfielders. Bastian Schweinsteiger, Michael Ballack and Sebastian Deisler are not renowned for their defensive skills and with full backs Andreas Hinkel and Bernd Schneider rampaging forward Mexico were often outnumbered.

"We have scored more goals than we have conceded in this tournament," said captain Michael Ballack. "We have to stick by this policy and show our strength as an attacking unit."

Defensive past eclipsed by offensive future

Under former manager Rudi Völler, defense was the backbone of success but a toothless attack saw Germany crash out of Euro 2004 at the first hurdle after just two goals in three matches. Klinsmann's team bettered that tally in their opening 4-3 group win over Australia.

Fans in Leipzig then chanted the manager's name after the win over Mexico, incredibly by the same score line, showing their appreciation for the entertaining football. "It is nice to hear the fans chanting my name," Klinsmann admitted. "I hope they are happy with our work because we are happy with their contribution."

Goals at both ends make fans jittery

The goal glut has left fans on the edges of their seats but the defense has had the supporters covering their eyes in despair. A tally of 15 goals scored is impressive but a concern for Klinsmann is the 11 conceded - and it could have been more. "We need to track back better as a unit but we can work on that," he insisted.

Goalkeeper Oliver Kahn is used to keeping clean sheets at Bayern Munich but in his two Confederations Cup games he has conceded six goals. "To concede so many goals is not normal for Kahn," said Klinsmann. "Oliver was not at fault for any of the goals so maybe it is a bit frustrating for him."

"Goalkeepers always like to keep clean sheets but I think Kahn can see how the team is progressing."

Defensive stalwarts ready to return

With Bayern left back Philipp Lahm, Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann and Borussia Dortmund's Christian Wörns all expected to return to shore up the leaky defense, Kahn may start to feel a bit more comfortable as Germany prepare to do better in their next role as hosts of the 2006 World Cup.