Karl-Heinz Riedle, a legendary player on Germany’s national soccer team and also ambassador of the Borussia Dortmund Club, speaks to Indonesian reporters during his visit to Jakarta, Tuesday (10/10). He was optimistic that Germany would win the World Cup 2018 in Russia, as the team had many young and experienced star players.
Two decades ago, German football was in disarray. Its national team, the famed “Der Panzer,” was at its lowest point. The nation then decided to rebuild its football sports system from scratch by prioritizing the training of young players. Time has passed and Germany is enjoying the results. They are one of the favorites to claim the 2018 Russia World Cup title.
“We tasted bitterness after the reunification [of Germany] in the 1990s. After winning in Italy, we went through a rough period. However, it was a whip [for us to rise again],” said former German footballer Karl-Heinz Riedle, 52, who was in the national team when it won the 1990 Italy World Cup, in an interview in Jakarta on Tuesday (10/10/2017).
The former striker, who was once a pupil of German football legend Franz Beckenbauer, came to Jakarta as the ambassador of German football club Borussia Dortmund. The former player who has won many prestigious football trophies for his country, including the Old Big Ears (the UEFA Champions League Trophy), shared the secrets behind the German team’s revival and several tips for Indonesia.
It has always seemed that Der Panzer has never had a shortage of football talent despite going through many crises over the years. Before Toni Kroos and Mario Goetze, two German heroes at the 2014 Brazil World Cup finals, retire, new players have emerged, including Leon Goretzka, 22, and Timo Werner, 21.
The combination of experienced players and youngsters has given Germany numerous victories. While the Netherlands – where total football was born – is troubled by a lack of regeneration, Germany’s path towards the 2018 Russia World Cup has been relatively smooth.
After winning the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup, also held in Russia, Germany won 10 Group C matches in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers. Furthermore, they have achieved a goal advantage of 39 thus far, a new record. No other country in the world, not even Brazil or Spain, have equaled this achievement.
It is no wonder, then, that Riedle believes his nation has the chance to win again in Russia. This is an excerpt of Kompas’ interview with Riedle:
What are Germany’s chances at the 2018 Russia World Cup?
The German team, thus far, looks good. It has made it through to Russia with the greatest (qualification round) achievement that I have ever known. Ten wins in 10 matches. This is clearly very promising. We have a good chance in Russia. Even if we don’t win, at the very least we will get through to the semifinals.
History says that the team that wins the Confederations Cup has always lost in the World Cup the next year. This happened to France and Brazil. It’s like a “curse.” What are your thoughts about this?
I don’t believe in myths, curses, or whatever you call it. We all know it is not easy to win two World Cups in a row. This is a tough competition. However, with confidence and luck, I think Germany can [win] again.
Which teams do you think will be Germany’s toughest opponents in Russia? Is it Spain?
Surely Spain is one of them. They are very strong and have shown signs of revival lately. There are also Brazil and Argentina. However, unfortunately, Argentina is still struggling to get through [the qualification rounds]. I truly believe they can be a tough opponent [for Germany].
The German team still looks strong despite many important players, including Philipp Lahm and Miroslav Klose, having left the team. What do you think is the key to the consistency and strength of Der Panzer right now?
The German team right now comprises many young players like Timo Werner. They are truly great young players. On the other hand, we still have Toni Kroos, a player with plenty of experience. The combination of youngsters and experienced players is one of Germany’s strengths right now, I think.
What do you see in Timo Werner, a striker that many people are beginning to see as an equal of German legend Gerd Mueller?
He can be the number-9 type [pure striker] that Germany has been searching for. He is different from many other strikers right now. He is fast. Clearly, he is the future of the team. However, apart from him, there are also other German strikers who can shine in Russia, including Thomas Mueller and Lars Stindl.
After winning the World Cup in 1990, when you were part of the team, Germany had difficulties getting back on top. The team suffered in late 1990s and early 2000s. However, German football is on the rise again nowadays. What are the secrets?
We had a rough time after German reunification in the 1990s. It was when we completely revamped our football system. Matthias Sammer (a former technical director at the German Football Association) asked us to produce more high-quality young players. Since then, we have been making huge investments in youth development. Academies were established all over the country and in professional clubs, including Dortmund. Right now, we are enjoying the results.
Indonesia is also starting to implement the same strategy, namely in youth development. Do you have any suggestion about this?
I don’t know much about football in Indonesia. What I know is that this country was once given a FIFA sanction. However, you have been relieved of the sanction. I think it is important to have many competitions for high-quality young players so that they can play in higher levels. This is important so that they can maintain their consistency from a young age.
