Hi-tech US fitness gurus prove worth for Germans

THE head of the American fitness team behind the German side that thrashed England 4-1 in Bloemfontein has claimed that the improvement in the relationship between the national team and its domestic clubs is the secret to their World Cup success.

Germany’s backroom staff in South Africa currently has three Americans in the camp who work for Athletes Performance, the company that was ridiculed in 2006 when their methods included archery, watch-making and tractor-pulling.

Back then, each player was given an individualised training programme for two years, designed to peak during the tournament, and it paid off: Germany made more tackles than any other team, sustained fewer injuries, and scored late goals in important wins against Poland and Argentina.