Told you so!

I've kept away from the subject - specially - don't want to rub it in, but......
Germany, Football...
no - don't go away, it's only for fun - really!
I've even turned my PC on again, witness the time of this article, but Mr G. Linecker ( see quotes above on the left hand side) would appear to be correct!
The thing is - Germany is a "TOURNAMENT" team.
We've seen it often in the past, they can lose a "friendly" match 3,4,5, goals to ZERO, but to lose or draw EVERY match they play, in a tournament, I've never seen - ever!
I didn't want to say it, but I told you so!
I didn't want to say either, that all the components for the "normal" future of this 2008 European Championship were present!
Italy - rubbish in the first (group) matches, Germany - the same!
But... All the components are there for a final Germany versus Italy - almost as usual!
Well we will see, but already I'm quite pleased.
Football is a collective, team sport. Individuals have their place, of course, but an overpaid, over rated individual is more easily controlled by a competently "together" working team than the reverse.
On top of that, when the "star" plays badly, or is "stifled"- fairly - by the other team, and can only help himself by cheating, then his team colleagues see that as a sort of:
"Well - if he can't do it - we're f*****d!"
Germany are, once again, in the last 4, and count- again -as 1 of the 4 best teams in Europe!
Maybe the Home Nations cup should be dusted off and rolled out!
Of course, there is no reason that Germany or Italy should make it to the final. At least, no logical reason, but I think that the "other arrogant" country, who speak a language very similar to German, are maybe not so sure of their superiority any more!
Done is done, and they haven't done it yet!
Just another little point; who are these "Fourth men" who seem to wish to profilate themselves?
Not good enough to be selected as one of the 3 Officials ON the pitch, they are taking on a rôle far too important.
I would suggest that they should not have the right to enter the rectangular box, designed for the various trainers, for a start!
After all - as a sort of inefficient policeman on the beat, he would have to be 8 foot tall, built like a brick wall, if he wanted to stop two trainers or any number of players who were REALLY upset!
These guys belong to the "was worth a try" species!
Finally - There is a team present at this spectacle, who must win, under normal circumstances.
According to the numbers on their shirts, they are the largest team, but they are all called "STEWARD" - and they too, like the 4th man, seem to be absolutely everywhere!
More frustrated "bobby's on the beat"?

Well - It's late, I'm tired (as if I had played 90 odd minutes this evening) but, as a last thought:
Maybe Frau MERKEL will be so pleased that she will have a brainstorm, and give all of us "German" pensioners a whopping pay rise - say 33% - the other one third I'll voluntarily give to a good cause!
Or even - maybe my Bank representative will concede to my request tomorrow!
Who knows - strange things happen in
FOOTBALL!