On July 13, 2014, Germany became the third team to win four World Cup titles. Newspapers around the world carried headlines screaming the German victory, and Mario Gotze’s superb goal had him being worshipped by many. The last time Germany won the World Cup, this midfielder wasn’t even born!
Previously, Germany had won the title in 1990. Having waited 24 years for their fourth title, it almost seems fair that Germany did what it could to make things perfect for its players. They figured the best way to make a team win a world cup was to ensure the players were comfortable and happy. Thus, “Campo Bahia” was born. A $40-million training facility and living quarters for the German national team was built from scratch and heavily guarded behind tall walls in Santo Andre in Bahia state, Brazil.
The 3.7-acre resort was a short flying distance from all the World Cup venues. The smallest details were kept in mind — the best training facilities, a practice pitch with tournament-standard conditions, swimming pool, spa and a press room among other things. The players didn’t even have to step out.
The detailing was such that even the art that hung on the walls were carefully selected.
The Germans had created a bubble and settled down with one another — a combination of players of different ages and from different backgrounds and clubs.
In focusTeams from other countries in the tournament had checked into hotels, mingled with the locals, signed autographs, visited places and were visibly relaxed. The German players on the other hand stepped out only for training and to match venues. Talk about commitment! The Die Mannschaft, or the German national team, pushed their success mantra “Konzentration und Fokussierung” further to realise their World Cup dream.
Germany’s successful world cup campaign had several aspects to it – their strict schedule, discipline, commitment and their formula "Konzentration und Fokussierung" and their goal: the World Cup.
After the victory, German Captain Philipp Lahm rightly said, “Whether we have the best individual players or whatever does not matter, you have to have the best team. At the end you stand there as world champions.” Positions that matter
Forward: Also called strikers, they are positioned nearest to their goalpost. They score goals and make passes for others to score as well.
Midfielder: Midfielders are positioned between forwards and defenders. They have to ensure maximum ball-possession and pass it from the defenders to the forwards.
Defenders: The task of a defender, is to create a strong defence so as to keep the other team from scoring.
Goalkeeper: No explanation needed on this one. The keeper makes sure that the other team does not score a goal.
