Miroslav Klose Announces International Retirement

Germany's all-time leading goalscorer, Miroslav Klose, 36, has announced his retirement from international football.

The Polish born German took his tally of World Cup goals to a record 16 - setting a record as the highest goal scorer in the history of the prestigious tournament - during the summer show in Brazil.

Having enjoyed 137 caps for his country and netted 71 goals, the 2014 World Cup winner has opted to call it a day.

Lionel Messi not happy with Golden Ball award

After losing the World Cup to Germany, Argentina captain Lionel Messi is indifferent about the Golden Ball award as he insisted winning the collective prize for his people was more valuable.

Despite Mario Goetze's late strike giving Germany the win, the Barcelona star was still crowned the 'player of the tournament' for his outstanding performance.

However, Messi admitted it was hard to take consolation from carrying his country to the final for the first time in 24 years in the immediate aftermath of the defeat.

Germany Emerge 2014 FIFA World Cup Winners

Coach Joachim Leow was vindicated on Sunday, July 13, as the German football machines were crowned champions of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

No doubt, the best team of the tournament won the trophy; but a more appealing truth is that the Germans deserved this term's trophy more than any other country, judging by their effective team work and level of success in the last three FIFA World Cups outings -  where they were runner ups once and two times bronze winners.

‘First Half’ German Lessons Every Employee Should Learn

 

Their game started 16 years ago when they faced a Croatian side. They lost! An added four years pitched them in the finals against Brazil and the German side went down with only two missiles. The Italians gave additional two knocks after four more years. The Germans were undeterred. They came back again, this time in Africa and Spain sent them packing with just a single goal! Today, after another four good years, they are still fighting and you’ll agree with that the 7 -1 victory against Brazil is a good indication that this time they’re determined to win and lift the trophy in days to come. But there are several ‘First Half’ lessons employees have to learn from this Game of Thrones (as I’d like to call it). Continue...

Brazil Semi Final Humiliation: The Missing Ingredient and Lessons to Learn

                                                B ------------------ 1

                                                R ------------------ 2

                                                A ------------------ 3

                                                S ------------------ 4

                                                I ------------------- 5

                                                L ------------------ 6

                                                ! ------------------- 7 

It was a screamer!!! Eventually the Selecao, via Oscar, were able to cancel the expression mark which makes it seven. This is the first time Brazil were this humiliated since losing 6-0 to Uruguay in 1920.

The Brazilians were stunned as Germany got a sweet revenge of the 2-0 loss in the final match of the 2002 World Cup tournament in Korea/Japan.

Semi Final: Captain David Luiz Urges Team Mates

Ahead of the Semi Final clash between Germany and Brazil, interim captain David Luiz believes the Selecao face the "game of our lives" when they take on Germany in the World Cup semifinal in Bela Horizonte on Tuesday.

Brazil will face the German machines without star man Neymar after an injury suffered against Colombia in the last eight put him out of the tournament, and captain Thiago Silva, who was suspended.

The Germans Lack a 'Poacher' - Raul

Former Spain international, Raul Gonzalez, believes Joachim Leow's Germany lack the Jurgen Klinsmann type of approach and killer instinct - which could help fire them to glory.

Low's side have been functional rather than flamboyant in the tournament, defending efficiently and producing effective goal-scoring results; with attacking midfielder, Thomas Muller, leading the line and the 36-year-old Miroslav Klose operating as an impact substitute.

Ozil must force 'magic' World Cup moment, says Ballack

Former Germany midfielder, Michael Ballack, has called for Mesut Ozil to do more to influence games and create magic moments at the World Cup tournament in Brazil.

Germany won their opening group game 4-0 against Portugal - but Ozil was unable to make it onto the score sheet or put his name to any assists.

Hence, Ballack made it clear that his comments should be seen as constructive rather than negative, as it is meant to stir the best from the Arsenal creative midfielder.