The Generals in Germany
Jurgen Klinsmann, Germany
When former striker Rudi Voller quit as the coach in 2004 after Germany's first-round exit at Euro 2004, the country was in the doldrums, as candidates like Ottmar Hitzfeld and Otto Rehhagel of Greece washed their hands of the responsibilities.
When Jurgen Klinsmann's name was finally announced as the coach, it led to a wave of approval from the German fans. And there was good reason to, though Klinsmann had very little coaching experience -- the blond man knows what it takes to excel at the highest levels, having been part of the strike force of the 1990 World Cup winning team. Klinsmann, an imposing figure in the opponent's penalty box, had also led the Germans to UEFA European Championship glory in 1996.
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Despite a good start to his coaching career -- the Germans held Brazil to a 1-1 draw in a repeat of the 2002 World Cup final -- there have been some grumbling voices. Klinsmann's 'commute' from his home in Los Angeles has not gone down well with many, and the 4-1 defeat against Italy in March has left the Germans hurting.
But all that will be forgotten if Michael Ballack and Company can lift World Cup 2006.
Image: Klinsmann with the third place medal at the Confederations Cup in Leipzig. Photograph: Jochen Luebke/AFP/Getty Images
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