Germany received an F and the United States got a D when Germany’s kicker magazine handed out grades for all 32 France ’98 teams and came to the category of skill. True, journalists tend to be excessively critical about their own national teams, but can you remember any impressive technical displays from the Germans during this past World Cup? It may have had two excellent forwards in Juergen Klinsmann and Oliver Bierhoff, but either would be hard-pressed to dribble through a row of chairs without knocking them over. Instead, they rely on outjumping and outrunning opponents. I remember that midfielder Dieter Hamann managed to move past opponents while keeping possession of the ball. Actually, he swam past them, pushing the opponent away with stroking arms. Sometimes the ball bounced in the right direction. That the Germans survived against the Yugoslavs and overcame the Mexicans gave coach Berti Vogts ammunition to defend his philosophy about how his country’s soccer must be played. When critics said Germany worked soccer while others played it, he took it as a compliment. Like so many of his German colleagues, he considered skillful players luxuries, not necessities. Germans would become “second-class” if they tried passing the ball with the back-heel, he said. Hard work, he claimed, is what succeeds for Germans. Problem was Vogts didn’t notice that all the World Cup teams work darn hard, and some of them can do clever things with the ball at their feet. So Germany became second-class without even the consolation of playing somewhat attractive soccer. Vogts has resigned, and the Germans are revamping — something they have done successfully after past failures. It may be worthwhile to pay attention. The U.S. is in a similar boat. FANS: LET’S HEAR YOUR VIEW Did Germany have any skillful players in the World Cup? Was it time for Berti Vogts to go? Which new players should new Germany coach Erich Ribbeck call up? Click here to log onto (Soccer) American Graffiti. Then click on the topic entitled “Your View: The skill search is on” and respond to Mike Woitalla in 200 words or less. Don’t hold anything back! Best responses will be reprinted in Soccer America Magazine. If YOUR View is selected, we’ll send you a cool t-shirt and pin… Because You’re FANATIC.