06/28/2002
SEOUL, South Korea – Oliver Kahn has changed his mind. The World Cup final
will be the pinnacle of his career, after all.
Before and during the early stages of the tournament, Kahn said he
played in so many big games that a World Cup final would be just another
match.
But as he prepares for the championship game in Yokohama, Japan, on
Sunday, the goalkeeper realizes he's about to play in "something
extraordinary."
"This is not about your club, it's about the entire nation," he said.
"When you look at the expectations and the enthusiasm of millions back
home, you realize what's at stake.
"This is the game you get to play maybe once or twice in your career.
And you have to play the game of your life, but there is so much
pressure. And to beat Brazil, every player has to play the game of his
life."
Kahn, like the rest of the team, is confident Germany can overcome
Brazil's clearly superior skills and technique.
"Brazil is the best you can get. Individually, they have world-class
players at every position," the 33-year-old German captain said. "But
the sum of best individuals doesn't necessarily make the best team.
"My gut feeling tells me that we are going to be the world champions,
but I can't explain why."
Kahn's instinct has been right throughout the tournament. He predicted
long ago that Germany would be in the final, something few people
believed before the World Cup.
Kahn has been building toward this for seven years. He made his
international debut on June 23, 1995, against Switzerland in a 2-1
victory. He has distinguished himself in Karlsruhe of the Bundesliga
with his fearless, physical style.
Often perceived as aloof and arrogant, Kahn has tamed his volatile
temper in recent years. He's even displayed a sense of humor, although
he is very serious when he discusses Sunday's opponent.
He is undaunted by facing Brazil's vaunted "Triple R" attack of Ronaldo
(six goals) Rivaldo (five) and Ronaldinho (two).
"They are truly exceptional, but for me it's nothing out of the
ordinary," he said. "I play the Champions League every season. I face
the best players in Europe all the time. I play against the best
forwards in Europe on a weekly basis."
Franz Beckenbauer, who coached Germany to its last title in 1990,
predicted Kahn could decide the final.
"He is the greatest and best goalkeeper in the world, so it will be
very, very difficult for Ronaldo or Rivaldo to beat him," he said.
Kahn's saves – he's conceded just one goal in six games – have been
instrumental in getting Germany this far. Yet he stressed that the
team's overall effort was the key to exceeding low expectations.
"I can contribute my part, but I am dependent on the others," he said.
Asked to explain his outstanding performance here, Kahn said:
"Hard work over the years and great experience have come together. I can
concentrate on big occasions. I get motivated in extreme situations.
"But you also need luck."
Kahn noted there would be another factor driving his team.
"We are really motivated to prove our critics wrong."
"He is the greatest and best goalkeeper in the world, so it will be
very, very difficult for Ronaldo or Rivaldo to beat him," said Franz
Beckenbauer, who coached Germany to its last title in 1990.