Germany Sways Critics with Resolute Play

The German media was in a more positive mood on Wednesday as it reflected on Germany's 2-2 draw with Argentina in the Confederations Cup match. The draw sees Germany reach the semi-finals as winner of Group A, with Argentina also qualifying for the last four as runner-up.

"After the 90 minutes in Nuremberg we know we do not need to hide from anyone," declared mass-circulation daily Bild.

"We should not fear the favorites for the World Cup as Argentina crushed Brazil 3-1 in the qualifying campaign."

Tuesday's match at the 42,000-strong Franken stadium in Nuremberg saw Brazilian-born German striker Kevin Kuranyi notch up the first goal in the 29th minute before Argentinean midfielder and man of the match Juan Roman Riquelme scored an equalizer with a blistering free kick minutes later. Gerald Asamoah restored Germany's lead in the 51st minute and Argentina's Esteban Cambiasso leveled with a superb shot.

German Captain Michael Ballack was rested for the match with Germany already having qualified for the semi-final. But, coach Jürgen Klinsmann said the move was also aimed at encouraging more players to shoulder responsibility and was an indication that the team wasn't too dependant on Ballack.

"National team shines without (Michael) Ballack," said the respected Frankfurter Allgemeine daily.

Klinsmann, 40, however insisted that the move didn't endanger the team's performance. "It was not a risk to rest Ballack as we knew this side could do the job. "

Germany on a par with soccer heavyweights

Yet the job was not quite completed and the search for a win against a top nation goes on. Not since the 1-0 win over England in October 2000 has Germany defeated a recognized top-ranked team.

"Germany made to wait for big win," headlined daily Berliner Morgenpost. "But Klinsmann's side can be proud of reaching the semi-finals as group winners after a determined display."

However Klinsmann put a positive spin on Tuesday's result. "We haven't won against a heavyweight for at least five years but you can also see things differently: Since we began in July 2004 (with Klinsmann as coach), we haven't lost against the big guns either."

Assistant coach Joachim Löw agreed: "The big guns simply can't beat us anymore," hinting that a year before the next World Cup, Germany was once again on a par with soccer greats Argentina and Brazil on its own turf even without captain Ballack.

Even German Soccer Federation chief Gerhard Mayer-Vorfelder was full of praise. "One could see that it was possible even without Ballack and that makes one a bit prouder," he said.

Compliments rained in from rivals Argentina, too. Coach Jose Pekerman said Germany was difficult to play against while star midfielder Riquelme called it a "great team."

Still missing that extra touch

But despite the bouquets, Klinsmann was far from overrating his team's performance and sober in his assessment of what the team still lacked to go for the kill. "The last bit of determination and alertness was missing in crucial situations," he said.

Perhaps we miss that extra touch of class against the top sides," admitted midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger. "Sometimes we need to use our heads more."

Schweinsteiger will miss the semi-final after picking up a yellow card and must hope his team-mates can give him the opportunity to play in the final on June 29 in Frankfurt.

World champion Brazil is one possible opponent for Germany, as are Japan and Mexico, but Klinsmann prefers to face the big guns.

"We would prefer to play against a big team in the semi-finals," insisted Klinsmann. "Perhaps Brazil in the next round and, if we beat it, Argentina again in the final."

Mexico leads Group B and is the only team to secure a spot in the last four with Brazil and Japan fighting it out on Wednesday for the right to join them.

"Can we now expect the mighty Brazil?" asked daily Bild.

In September last year Germany drew 1-1 with Brazil in Berlin but the memory of the 2-0 defeat in the 2002 World Cup final in Yokohama still lingers.

But, for now Klinsmann is clear that the team can pat itself on the back for Tuesday's performance.

"The team is on its way and the players are allowed to be a little proud of themselves -- we are too," he said.