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Post by Admin on Jul 16, 2014 14:51:00 GMT
Germany were intent on enjoying themselves as they arrived back in Berlin to celebrate winning the World Cup - even pre-rehearsing a hilarious routine to delight supporters. Around half-a-million fans flocked to Brandenburg Gate in the country's capital on Tuesday morning to greet their heroes, and were in for a surprise. Thomas Muller, Mats Hummels, Erik Durm and Christoph Kramer looked to be striding out on to the podium alone, but captain Philipp Lahm was behind them, unseen. Germany’s World Cup winning team have arrived back in their country to some amazing scenes – with thousands of fans queuing up to catch a glimpse of their heroes in Berlin. Joachim Low’s men won the World Cup on Sunday – Germany’s fourth-ever title and first since being re-unified – after Mario Gotze’s extra-time strike secured a 1-0 victory over Argentina at the Maracana. After winning the biggest prize in football, the players have now arrived back in Germany – and we take a look at the team’s celebrations, which started in Brazil and are still underway in Berlin. After having a big night out on the town with singer Rihanna following the victory in Rio de Janeiro… The German players leave the plane to applause (Picture: Reuters) The Germany players stop to wave to fans outside Brandenburg Gate in Berlin (Picture: AP) The team were euphoric as they were welcomed by the Berlin crowds and Ozil tweeted again and posted some photographs of the cheering crowds beside the River Spree, and said: 'what a crowd! unbelievable!' The sea of fans were chanting for their heroes 'Deutschland, Deutschland, Deutschland!' as the truck continued through the city streets with no sign of the road or pavements, just people celebrating as they made their way to the Brandenburg Gate. 'It's beautiful. It feels very good, it's all gone perfectly for us,' Andre Schurrle told sportbild.bild.de. Toni Kroos added: 'It was a great World Cup.'
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Post by Admin on Jul 17, 2014 13:50:16 GMT
The FIFA rankings published on Thursday put Germany top of the rankings with 1,723 points. Argentina, which Germany beat 1-0 in extra time in Sunday's World Cup final in Rio de Janeiro,was in second place on 1,606 points. This is the first time that Germany has been top of the FIFA rankings in 24 years. The last time was in 1990 after it had captured its last World Cup title, also beating Argentina 1-0. Coach Joachim Löw's side unseated Spain, who had traveled to Brazil as defending champions, from the top ranking. The Netherlands, who beat Brazil in Saturday's game for third place, moved to third spot in the rankings. Spain, who disappointed by failing to advance past the group stage in Brazil, dropped to eighth place. Three other nations that failed to make it beyond the first round also dropped in the rankings. Portugal fell seven places to 11th spot, Italy slipped five to 14th, and England plummeted 10 places to 20th. England have fallen 10 places to 20th in the list, their lowest position since May 1996, after a dismal World Cup when defeat in their opening two group matches gave them their worst performance in over 50 years. The Netherlands move up a hefty 12 rungs on the ladder to third after their impressive World Cup third-place finish. Spain have paid the penalty for not progressing from the group stages in Brazil by dropping from first to eighth place with Colombia, Belgium and Uruguay occupying the places above them. Dutch winger Arjen Robben has ruled out the possibility of following Louis van Gaal, his national team manager, to Manchester United. The 30 year-old former Chelsea forward told Dutch broadcaster NOS that Van Gaal had offered him a role in a revamped United squad next season. Despite admitting that he shares a “special bond” with Van Gaal, who made him vice-captain of the Holland team, he will not be joining him at Old Trafford next season. “I have a special bond with him. He is the most important coach in my career,” Robben said. “[Moving to United] is not an option though. I will stay at Bayern Munich.” World top 10 (compared to June rankings) 1 - Germany (+1) 2 - Argentina (+3) 3 - Netherlands (+12) 4 - Colombia (+4) 5 - Belgium (+6) 6 - Uruguay (+1) 7 - Brazil (-4) 8 - Spain (-7) 9 - Switzerland (-3) 10 - France (+7)
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