Die Mannschaft Movie

Müller in a dirndl. Are we surprised?

World Cup Profiles – Group G: Germany

Another team that romped to the top of their group in qualifying, Germany is going to be a tough opponent in the Group of Death.

Thomas Hitzlsperger Comes Out

Thomas Hitzlsperger, who retired in September 2013 has revealed that he is gay. The 31 year old central midfielder played in the EPL (Aston Villa, West Ham, Everton), Serie A (Lazio), Bundesliga (Wolfsburg, Stuttgart) and League 2 (Chesterfield). He represented Germany at the U19 (as captain), U21 and senior levels.

His Germany teammate Lukas Podolski tweeted “”Brave and right decision. Respect, Thomas Hitzlsperger. His outing is a important sign in our time.” Many others including his former club, Aston Villa, have expressed their support.  I look forward to a day when this will no longer be such big news. I admire & wholeheartedly support Thomas’s decision to come forward. This has got to be a relief for him. I hope that many others will follow.

Thanks to watishista Tali for sending in the news.

– Lozil

Mesut & His Samba Predator LZ Boots

Mesut did a little piece for Adidas football on his Samba Predator LZ boots. While the video is in German, you can click the captions button to get an English translation.

– Lozil

The Daily Drool – Epic Bromance Month (Old Skool): Michael Ballack & Torsten Frings

Here’s an old skool but much loved bromance. Fringser and Balle (their pet names for each other) played together on Bayern Munich & Die Mannschaft, but even when they were opponents, they still sent a lot of love each other’s way. Both are now retired.

Preparing For Copenhagen/RM & The World Cup

“ONE! Singular sensation, every little step he takes…”

The team got right back to work after yesterday’s 0-0 draw with Olimpic de Xativa. Good to see that Gareth has recovered from his flu like symptoms to practice with Cris for Real Madrid’s production of A Chorus Line Tuesday’s Champion’s League match against Copenhagen.

The Daily Drool – Epic Bromance Month: Per Mertesacker & Mesut Ozil

These two go back quite aways – they played together at Werder Bremen, with Die Mannschaft and now, at Arsenal. The towering Per loves to skmoosh itty Mesut with his huge hugs.

Just When You Think Things Are Going Smoothly…

After a collision with Andrea Pirlo in Friday’s Germany/Italy friendly, Sami seemed in a lot of pain. At the time, everyone just assumed it was a minor knock. Ugh. I wish it was that simple. I woke up this morning to the incredibly crap news that not only is it serious, but he’ll be out for the rest of the season and may possibly miss the World Cup. ARGH.

The Daily Drool: Champions League Group F – Borussia Dortmund’s Sven Bender

Defensive midfielder Sven has been with Dortmund since 2009. He has represented Germany at the U17, U19 and senior levels. His twin brother Lars plays for Bayer Leverkusen.

The Daily Drool: Champions League Group D – Bayern Munich’s Mario Götze

Attacking midfielder/winger Mario ruffled some feathers by moving to Bayern Munich in July from arch rivals Borussia Dortmund. (He also left behind his bromantic partner Marco Reus). He’s respresented Germany at the U15, U16, U17, U21 and senior national team.