Wales shock Germany

Germany8217;s World Cup preparations were given a rude jolt as Wales recorded an upset 1-0 win over Rudi Voller8217;s men. A well-taken go...

Germany8217;s World Cup preparations were given a rude jolt as Wales recorded an upset 1-0 win over Rudi Voller8217;s men.

A well-taken goal by Wales debutant Robert Earnshaw just after half-time yesterday settled a scrappy match which again cast doubts on Germany8217;s chances at the World Cup.

Norway8217;s and Manchester United8217;s star Ole Gunnar Solskjaer kisses his son Noah after Norway8217;s friendly match against Japan at Oslo8217;s Ullevaal Stadium on Tuesday. AP/PTI

Voller8217;s side were surprisingly sluggish throughout at the Millennium Stadium and struggled to respond after Earnshaw raced past a static defence before firing home on 46 minutes. Germany, who play the Republic of Ireland, Cameroon and Saudi Arabia at the World Cup, were hampered by the absence of four Bayer Leverkusen players 8212; including mid-fielder Michael Ballack 8212; on European Cup duty.

Speaking after his fifth defeat in 20 matches as Germany8217;s manager, Voller blamed a lackadaisical approach from his players for the defeat.

8220;We started to play well too late in the game and we were too friendly and uncommitted. Some of the players were coming back from injury and we could see they were not in great form,8221; Voller said. 8220;It would have been better to have put in a good perfomance but I don8217;t think this is a drama.8221;

Skipper Oliver Kahn said it was not a time to panic. 8220;We played well in the final quarter-hour but we did not really show commitment in the tackles. 8220;Now we have got to lift ourselves up for Saturday8217;s match against Austria in Leverkusen, Germany.8221;

Cardiff forward Earnshaw had a dream start to his international career. A long ball from Mark Delaney found the head of John Hartson who sent the ball into the box.

Earnshaw got the better of German defender Christoph Mtzelder before firing the ball past Kahn. His skill did not end there 8212; he celebrated with a back flip before being mobbed by teammates. Marco Bode headed on to a post with about a quarter-hour to go and Carsten Jancker shot on to an upright in the 85th minute during an impressive final spell for the Germans but in the end the home side held on for a rousing win.

The Thinktank Group A

Korean models carry soccer balls with plaid patterns as they showcase the DAKS fall/winter 2002 collection at a fashion parade in Seoul. Reuters

Roger Lemerre France: Only Brazil and Italy have done what France coach Roger Lemerre is trying to achieve this summer 8212; successfully defend the World Cup. Ever since he beat out bigger names to the post, including Jean Tigana and Guy Roux, the former boss of the French military side and Aime Jacquet8217;s assistant at France 8217;98 has steadily silenced the doubters.

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Victor Pua Uruguay: A former member of Uruguay8217;s Olympic team, Victor Pua knows his country8217;s football from back-to-front and most members of his World Cup squad even better. The 46-year-old, formerly in charge of the under-17 and under-21 sides, has helped many of his charges grow into full internationals and has fostered an enviable team spirit.

Wales8217; Robert Earnshaw of Wales celebrates his goal against Germany with a somersault during their warm up game in Millenium stadium. Reuters

Bruno metsu Senegal: Untried Bruno Metsu confounded detractors by propelling Senegal into the World Cup finals although he had no experience as an international football coach. Qualification for World Cup this summer was his biggest victory after the smaller success of managing to get himself and his players paid by the country8217;s football federation.

Morten Olsen Denmark: Under Morten Olsen, Denmark thundered through qualifying undefeated and few would be surprised if Denmark match their quarter-final achievment four years ago. Successful spells at Brondy and then Ajax preceded the international coaching career of Olsen with Denmark. Capped 10 times he took over from Bo Johansson in 2000.