Subject: NT vs Germany

On Saturday we will play Germany in the semi-final of the world cup. Its a huge match and would HATE to lose again in the semi-finals. With England it was always the stage when I would lose and I can't let that happen again.

Here is a bit of an interview I did for the German forums...

Are you happy with the draw or did you prefer to play against Estonia?

I'm happy to be playing Germany in the Semi-final stages of the world cup. They have a great user-base and are active in the forums, whatever the result its good to know that many people will be interested in the match.

Two of your players, Merle Bobo and Marlon Cosby play for german clubs and got injured last sunday. Just a coincidence or a cheap trick by the german team?

Not too bothered about those two, I am not sure if those two are even the number one strikers in their clubs let alone NT standard at this stage of the world cup ;-)

USA doesn't have the biggest userbase, but the national team was very successful over the last two seasons, e.g. finishing the qualification with the best record of all teams. What's the reason for the team's success, besides the tactical brilliance of the manager?

The USA players are pretty decent, but clearly it is due to my brilliance ;-)

NT games are mostly won by good tactics, even against better teams the difference in player ability isn't so big that you can't win the game. I always know that if I get my tactics right I stand a very good chance of winning.

Of course, it also helps that I am usually a lucky NT manager. With England in the last world cup I managed to beat Spain with no strikers (winger scored in the 85th minute), and against Brazil in the 2nd round of this world cup I won due to Brazil's late red-card. They deserved to win the game with XI players.

Who's your favourite player in the US team? Is there any player in team Germany you'd like to have in your squad?

Lonnie Lucas is my favourite player in the squad. He is a world class midfielder and would be my first pick if he ever regained his form!

I would like to have the entire Germany squad, they are very good and have great strength in depth. I would imagine the Germany 2nd XI would still be a stronger team than I could field with USA.

Are there users who have problems with you being coach of team USA as you are from England?

So far everyone has been very positive and I am happy for this response. However, that can change I will find out if/when I lose in the world cup ;-)

Germany - USA. Your prediction?

Germany 2 - 4 USA

I would be surprised if USA were to lose this game!

There is only a problem if you lose, tar and feathers are standing by.

...and the Gallows? ;)

well since you asked so nicely... I suppose we could throw a trip to the gallows in for him as well.
(edited)

That was a very tame interview. I expected some heckling of the Germans and just nonsense answers. The only thing good over their is their beir hauses.

i sold the gallows seasons ago.

Do you want some beer? :P

@Phil: our second team isn't that good. Even our first team ist worse than at least 5 or 6 others.

I'm looking forward to this game. It is a big big chance for Germany. But even if we lost, it would have been a great woldcup for Germany.
(edited)

wow, NT coach of a country with over double ours is already making excuses for himself in our forum.

GO PHIL, they're afraid of you!

NT coach of a county which was never to the semis before....

..and I'm never afraid. My name is Phil, too... btw.

Tactics are all set, I'm pretty confident of the win ;-)

Have you made sure you have all the players in the right place?

And then made sure again?

I have made sure, its time to step up and perform when it really matters the most.

good luck matey

Good luck sir.

Congrats. :)

Thanks, good tactics you used today.