No manager faced so much criticism before the world cup as much as Jurgen Klinsmann did. The criticism came from all corners and on all issues. He is living too much in California rather than spending time here in Germany to look for upcoming talents, he is too arrogant to attend the workshop organized for world cup coaches, his all out attack policy doesnt gel with the traditional German success formula of functional football.

Three matches into the world cup for Germany everything seems to take the corner for good for him. Germany has won all its matches at the group stage plus entertained the home fans. After two clean sheets the defense seeming to settling down nicely for major challenges in the knockout stage. Among the major teams they are the most disciplined one and received the least number of yellow cards after Saudi Arabia in the competition.

Suddenly England played desperately to avoid a round of 16 meeting with Germany, people has start evaluating how much the home support can influence the performance of the team.

Germany 4 2 Costa Rica

Looking back at the journey till now, Germany started well against Costa Rica with stunner of a goal by Philip Lahm in the fifth minute. After that the worst fear came true when the fragile defense let in 2 goals against Costa Rica though by that time Germany already scored three more.

Germany 1 - 0 Poland

In the second game, the team played much more efficiently boosted by the return of the talismanic Michael Ballack. For 90 minutes the team created numerous chances and ball missing the goal from every possible angle. But in the injury time two of the Klinsmanns substituted player Neuville and Odonkor combined well to score a late goal that ensured Germanys place in last 16.

After the match what all seemed to talk about it how effective German play was once ondokor was on field. He was thought to be a surprise inclusion but with the pace of 10.9 sec per 100 meter he seems to be a perfect recipe for tiring defenders late in the game.

Germany 3 0 Ecuador

Game 3, the final game against Ecuador was a fans celebration in Berlin. The German team arrived in capital already qualified and playing some eye catching football. The third game was proved out to be a even bigger feast, Klose scored in 4th and 44th minute go at half time with 2-0.

After the half time the Podolski scored his first of the world cup and preparation is all done for the final thrust in the knockout stage. All the strikers has scored goals, created more chances than anybody in the world cup so far, no player is on injury or suspension list, back to back clean sheets for goal keeper Lehmann who also is a surprise selection over last year golden ball winner Oliver Kahn.

Dont try to tell the Deutschland Deutschland shouting fans that they are not going to Berlin come July the 9th. Till then keep enjoying the feast of Teutonic efficiency.