Storm Beach

With the dust settling on one of the best World Cups for years we are left admiring the German football team as they lifted the trophy. Prior to the tournament I tipped four teams – OK, Spain and Italy failed to get out of their groups and Brazil suffered the shock 7-1 defeat to the now champions. 1 out of 4 isn’t bad?! But where do the secrets of high performance lie?

The German team have an identity. Somewhat shaken up by recent flops at tournaments over the last 10-20 years, they went back to the drawing board. Not a complete reinvention, but enough to know that they stand for passing and movement. An identity shaped by leaders, coaches and players alike.

Even the most reluctant of football fans won’t be surprised to know that they are a well oiled team, highly coachable. Operating in a coaching system that is known to be 20 years ahead of the English game, players exude confidence. Coachability personified – individuals who know which direction they are headed in, and in possession of the required energy to get there.

Identity and coachability = energy. Picture this – one of your first choice midfielders (Khedira) is injured in the warm up to the final. Your replacement (Kramer) makes his first competitive start for his country and suffers a bang to the head, leaving the field after 30 minutes. Schurrle joins the action and with a few minutes to go (in extra time) provides an inch perfect cross. Gotze becomes the first substitute to score the winning goal in any world cup final. Injuries and substitutions do not endanger the energy this team create…