German Ambassadors

It has been seven years since the national team was last in Asia. The current team manager Oliver Bierhoff was still playing for Germany, Jürgen Klinsmann was still retired in California, Michael Ballack and Miroslav Klose were two young players amongst a relatively unknown German selection, and the only hope for Germany and Bundestrainer Rudi Völler rested on Oliver Kahn. After a dismal qualifying campaign Germany seemed destined to join the ranks of Uruguay, Hungary, and Austria – nations never to regain the form of their glory days on the world stage. To everyone’s surprise Germany reached a record seventh World Cup final against Brazil. The achievement was a result crafted through teamwork and thanks in no small part to the best player and goalkeeper of the tournament Oliver Kahn. When Germany plays China in Shanghai on Saturday, through injury, club commitments, or retirement no other member of the World Cup 2002 team will be there. Kahn will be there like he always has for the national team, this time however, as a representative of FIFA to promote German football in China.

Another well known German in Asia is also along for the trip. Britta Heidemann won the individual gold medal event in Fencing (Épée) during the recent 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Perhaps she is better known abroad for her appearance in a special issue of German Playboy. Of course distracting the national team is not why she is along for the trip. Britta has a special connection with China. She was an exchange student in China some time ago, majors in Chinese, and is fluent in it. Naturally her good looks, knowledge of the territory, and happy demeanor would be assets to any promotional tour in China. Plus, Germany could use this sexy makeover.

Germany (ranked 2) plays China (ranked 97), already out of qualification, in Shanghai on May 30 before traveling to the UAE for a friendly on June 2. You can catch the in team happenings with DFB-TV and also watch Mario Gomez mumble about his recent transfer to FC Bayern.