International Friendly

Three months and one day ago Jogi Low was celebrating becoming a world champion.

John O’Shea hailed a "special moment" after equalising last night on the occasion of his 100th cap, and argued that it was crucial for the team’s momentum that such a fine performance actually got the result it deserved.

I read The Circle this week, Dave Eggers’ novel about an internet company that has taken over Google, Facebook, Twitter and the rest.

While acknowledging they’re very much the favourites to once again top the group, David Forde sees chinks in Germany’s armour ahead of the Euro 2016 qualifiers.

Noel King may never get to tackle the Ireland job in a full-time capacity, and he may not have done himself too many favours with the manner he tackled that post-match interview with Tony O’Donoghue, but the interim manager did indirectly address an issue that has for too long been ignored at Irish international level in the process.

As Germany reached Brazil, it should not be forgotten that someone else reached a career high. Noel King can now always say that he managed his country. That it came against the three-time world champions only deepened the distinction.

Four wonderful goals and all the debates about Spain’s style suddenly seemed rather academic.

Not for the first time, Italy have upset the order.

Germany may increasingly represent the future of international football, but the current message is all too clear: they feel they’re finally ready to rule the present.

On the two previous occasions Germany have lost in the final of a European Championship, they have come back four years later to win the tournament.

Germany striker Mario Gomez has hit back at criticism of his performance in their win over Portugal by pointing out only Lionel Messi scored more Champions League goals than him last season and questioning why he should change his game.

Mario Gomez has come in for heavy criticism from former Germany midfielder Mehmet Scholl for his performance in the 1-0 Euro 2012 victory over Portugal.

OVER the last few weeks, we’ve seen two aberrations. First, in the Under-17 European Championships in Slovenia, Germany lost a penalty shoot-out. Worse, they lost it to the Dutch — a country with a dreadful record from 12 yards.

Find out some more about the decisive who could make or break dreams.

JENS LEHMANN has responded to a summer deadline from the German national team to regain his Arsenal place by insisting that he deserves a recall ahead of Manuel Almunia.

Jens Lehmann has responded to a summer deadline from the German national team to regain his Arsenal place by insisting that he deserves a recall ahead of Manuel Almunia.