[Joe]

Arsenal and Germany keeper Jens Lehman has launched an astonishing attack by claiming that England are jealous of Germany just days before the World Cup kicks off.

The German stopper has claimed that the English are in admiration of Germany’s ability to win crunch games and to be more successful in the World Cup. This jealousy, Lehman claims, is from the German’s ability to win games and provide success for his home nation even when their chances are written off in the media.

In previous competitions the West Germany beat England in Italia ’90 and went on the win the World Cup. In following tournaments the Germans have reached to quarter finals and the final in 2002.

England’s record on the other hand is failure to qualify for the 1994 finals, a second round exit in 1998 and a quarter final appearance in 2002.

Lehman is quoted as saying, “The English know us and adore us because we are always capable of performing in major tournaments. The English know that we can always do it, especially when no-one expects anything from us”

"That is why you admire us."

This outburst will add extra spice to a possible clash between the two sides in the second round in Germany, if one team wins and the other is runner up in their groups. It should also be interesting to find the reaction of the Arsenal fans when the outspoken keeper returns to the Gunners after the World Cup.

Germany’s build up to the finals has stuttered recently with a 2-2 draw against Zico’s Japan.

Japan took an early 2-0 lead before Jurgen Klinmann’s team pulled two goals back to make the scoreline more respectable. Lehman was also called into action on a further two occasions to stop one on one chances and deny Japan further goals.

Lehman continued,” We made some mistakes but all teams face those problems. We have to improve but that is normal at this stage”

“It would be better if we don’t have many one-on-one situations against Costa Rica [in the opening group match] next week”

[Joe]

Well the German's seem to getting the wind up of the English players started a little earlier than usual...

[Stiles]

You just got to love the guy.

[Homer MacSimpson]

Originally Posted by Stiles21

You just got to love the guy.

You just got to love the Germans.

He does make a very good point though.

[King of Kings]

Well I am on Lehman's side, I admire them.

Every single tournament the press in this country play down Germany's chances, they do trust me, they do.

They talk up England and then BANG, Ingerlund [whoever they are] are out and the Gerries are in the final.

And with them at home this year, well who knows..

But I still think Lehman is a tit.

[1966]

Originally Posted by Homer MacSimpson

You just got to love the Germans.

He does make a very good point though.

Yeah I will love them even more when they are elimated from the World Cup in disgrace and their nation turns against them.

Bring it on