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**Vargas_4** · 05-02-2008, 04:51 PM

Former Germany international player and coach Franz Beckenbauer has tipped his country to prevail over Austria in this week's friendly in Vienna. He also discussed Michael Ballack, the striking situation and underperforming stars.

They may be facing each other in the group stages at Euro 2008, but Wednesday night will see neighbours Germany and Austria do battle in a friendly in Vienna.

German football legend Franz Beckenbauer, writing in Bild, looked forward to the game. "I reckon it will be 2-1 to us," said the Kaiser, confident of an away win in Austria.

"Neither German manager Joachim Löw or his Austrian counterpart (Josef) Hickersberger will give too much away tactically, because they're meeting again in five months time at the European Championships."

Bayern's Disappointments

Commenting on the players, Beckenbauer hoped that three of the stars of 2006, Lukas Podolski, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Philipp Lahm, would once again begin to deliver.

"A year-and-a-half ago they were hailed as World Cup heroes," commented the Kaiser of the trio. "Since then all three have seen a drop in their performances (at club level).

"That may be for psychological reasons," he continued of the Bayern stars. "They're not playing regularly in the league. They've shone more at international level than for their club. I hope at the European Championships they can replicate their form of the World Cup, added, saying this Wednesday's game "would be a good opportunity to make a fresh start."

Ballack's Back

On the subject of captain Michael Ballack, who is finally ready to return to the international fray after months out with injury, Beckenbauer was extremely positive.

"Ballack is a player who gives it 100 percent. If he's picked he'll give it his all, especially after eleven months out on the sidelines. We got to the European Championships without Ballack in the end, but we need him for the tournament itself," stressed Beckenbauer. "We also need Frings and Schneider if we're seriously going to challenge for the title."

Kuranyi Gets The Nod

On the subject of forwards, opinions are divided as to who would be the best bet to partner Miroslav Klose up front. Schalke's Kevin Kuranyi and Stuttgart's Mario Gomez are the favourites, and Beckenbauer believes they have something to offer Germany.

"With Kuranyi and Gomez Jogi Löw has two equally-matched options," he opined. "Nevertheless, I think Kuranyi suits Klose slightly more. He's more flexible and a better runner. With goalscorers current form is especially important," added the Kaiser of Kuranyi, who notched twice at the weekend at home to Stuttgart. "But the manager is the one who can judge that best."

05-02-2008, 04:51 PM	#36 (permalink)
Vargas_4 #4 Phenomenon Favourite Team: Bayern München Vargas_4 is Offline Mood: Join Date: May 2007 Location: Managua Posts: 2,728 vCash: 385 Rep: Rep Points: 934 Country:	Beckenbauer backs Germans in Austria Former Germany international player and coach Franz Beckenbauer has tipped his country to prevail over Austria in this week's friendly in Vienna. He also discussed Michael Ballack, the striking situation and underperforming stars. They may be facing each other in the group stages at Euro 2008, but Wednesday night will see neighbours Germany and Austria do battle in a friendly in Vienna. German football legend Franz Beckenbauer, writing in Bild, looked forward to the game. "I reckon it will be 2-1 to us," said the Kaiser, confident of an away win in Austria. "Neither German manager Joachim Löw or his Austrian counterpart (Josef) Hickersberger will give too much away tactically, because they're meeting again in five months time at the European Championships." Bayern's Disappointments Commenting on the players, Beckenbauer hoped that three of the stars of 2006, Lukas Podolski, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Philipp Lahm, would once again begin to deliver. "A year-and-a-half ago they were hailed as World Cup heroes," commented the Kaiser of the trio. "Since then all three have seen a drop in their performances (at club level). "That may be for psychological reasons," he continued of the Bayern stars. "They're not playing regularly in the league. They've shone more at international level than for their club. I hope at the European Championships they can replicate their form of the World Cup, added, saying this Wednesday's game "would be a good opportunity to make a fresh start." Ballack's Back On the subject of captain Michael Ballack, who is finally ready to return to the international fray after months out with injury, Beckenbauer was extremely positive. "Ballack is a player who gives it 100 percent. If he's picked he'll give it his all, especially after eleven months out on the sidelines. We got to the European Championships without Ballack in the end, but we need him for the tournament itself," stressed Beckenbauer. "We also need Frings and Schneider if we're seriously going to challenge for the title." Kuranyi Gets The Nod On the subject of forwards, opinions are divided as to who would be the best bet to partner Miroslav Klose up front. Schalke's Kevin Kuranyi and Stuttgart's Mario Gomez are the favourites, and Beckenbauer believes they have something to offer Germany. "With Kuranyi and Gomez Jogi Löw has two equally-matched options," he opined. "Nevertheless, I think Kuranyi suits Klose slightly more. He's more flexible and a better runner. With goalscorers current form is especially important," added the Kaiser of Kuranyi, who notched twice at the weekend at home to Stuttgart. "But the manager is the one who can judge that best." __________________ Thanks a lot Oliver_Kahn!