Why Sunday May Be Lahm and Schweinsteiger’s Last Chance for World Cup Glory

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: July 11, 2014

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When Germany finished third at the 2006 World Cup, it was considered a huge achievement, one that revealed the promise the Nationalmannschaft had in a young generation of stars including Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Lukas Podolski and Per Mertesacker.

The same result in 2010 was still regarded as an accomplishment, especially given how ravaged Joachim Low's side was by injuries.

But although new youngsters like Thomas Mueller and Toni Kroos could be pleased, there were fewer celebrations from the 2006 team's breakout stars. They'd been there before and knew they were running out of chances.

Now in 2014, the class of 2006 has finally reached the World Cup final. And for many, it could be a last chance to be crowned world champions. At the very least, it's the last chance they'll have during their prime years.

Lahm will turn 31 in November, Schweinsteiger and Mertesacker 30 in August and September, respectively. Podolski is 29. All will be well into their 30s by the time the next World Cup comes.

Even a year ago, there was discussion of Ilkay Gundogan as a possible replacement for Schweinsteiger before the World Cup in Brazil.

Legendary midfielder Gunter Netzer told Bild (h/t Andrew Wychrij on Goal.com): " I see Schweinsteiger's place at risk, despite his great contribution to the national team." He cited Gundogan's more direct approach to building the German attack as preferable to Schweinsteiger's slower, more horizontal play.

Gundogan has not played since last August due to a back injury, but if he finds the form that made him a superstar in 2012-13, it may soon be impossible for Joachim Low to leave him on the bench—especially with Schweinsteiger turning 34 in 2018.

Aside from Gundogan, Germany have quality, ready-made defensive-midfield options in Sven and Lars Bender. Emre Can is on the rise and, having joined Liverpool, now has the platform to stake hi...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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