Okay, so I'm biased. But like it or lump it, I'm rooting for Germany. Australians may find that comment funny, but this is just getting serious.
Germany have the youngest team since 1934, when the coach was a bespectacled Nazi called Otto Nerz. These days it's a dandy called Jogi, and the mentality is more attractive than in those dark days of the 1930's: is it typically German though? They want to win. Check. They have a focussed training program. Check. They wear snazzy white jerseys. Check. After that, it gets more interesting.
Contrary to the lazy assumptions of many people, the Germans aren't gong to win on the back of mythical eficiency. They'll be a glorious, romantic mess, and, yes, they'll get through the group stages demonstrating that they are resilient, resourceful and willing to give it their all. But they're not efficient and haven't been in two decades. It's going to be way more interesting than that.
This is just about as good as it gets for the world Cup, where every macth so far has been as dull as the drone of a Vuvuzela. A Young, hungry and slightly ramshackle German side against an Aussie selection of seasoned pros, who'll bring the game to them with guile and no little style. Thankfully Croatia aren't playing, so they have no obstacles but their own will to win.
In the end, I'll be shouting for the Germans. They need at least a couple of fans from our part of the world, so bring it on.
