A to Z of Football: G is for...

...Germany

Ah, the old enemy. Not all Englishmen have the kind of hatred of Germany displayed by some of our more antagonistic newspapers, but there is plenty of history between England and our most bitter of European rivals.

Sadly, there probably is still a hangover from the Second World War in that, but I like to think it's more to do with the epic matches the two nations have played out over the years. In my world, the World Cup final in 1966, the semi-final in 1990 and the European Championships in 1996 all fuelled the friendly fun-poking.

Of course, 1-5 in Munich probably helped too. It certainly put a smile on my face.

The Germans have a more than healthy six major titles under their belt. In one guise or another, the country won World Cup in 1954, 1974 and 1990, and European Championships in 1972, 1980 and, in England, 1996.

Domestically, the league system is headed up by the Bundesliga. Bayern Munich are by far its most successful team, but they are currently being torn a new one by league leaders TSG Hoffenheim, a minnow converted into a powerhouse by the cold hard cash of a passionate former player.

...Gazza

Paul Gascoigne, a midfielder from Gateshead, graduated from Newcastle United trainee to flawed genius. Throughout a brilliant but controversial career, 'Gazza' took in Newcastle, Tottenham Hotspur, Lazio in Italy, Rangers, Middlesbrough and Everton, before winding his career down at some odd locations.

Sadly for Gazza, his career will be defined by an infamous knee injury, tears in Italy and a bunch of pranks as much as by his wonderful ability. Even more sadly, alcohol and tragedy rule his life these days more than ever before.

Thank god for his stunning goal against Scotland in 1996, the goal which will always be strong in the memory.

...Goalkeepers

Goalkeepers are the gloved, uniquely-attired guardians of the football net, the evil troll blocking the way to glory (I'm a striker). Generally a little bit nutty, goalkeepers require a different skill set and mindset to their colleagues.

In short, they're a bit mental. Whether it's the goalscoring exploits of Rogerio Ceni and Jose Luis Chilavert, the crazy antics of Rene Higuita, Jorge Campos' self-designed shirt or Peter Shilton playing on until the age of 92, they're often said to have sawdust for brains.

Still, where would we be without them? My all-time favourite would have to be Mark Bosnich, a truly world-class goalkeeper in his heyday (i.e. at the Villa). How about you?

...Goal Line Technology

This one was suggested by the good folk over at the sadly now-defunct Inside Left.

The issue of technology in football is a topic of much discussion. There are several facets to the argument, but most centre on the question of technology in and around the goal. Since England's controversial was it/wasn't it goal in the 1966 World Cup final, we've been trying to work out how to tell whether the ball has crossed the line.

Possible technologies in this department include a chipped ball and goalmouth sensors, goal line cameras, and ice hockey klaxons (okay I made that last one up).

It is, of course, a very controversial subject, with implications for the tradition of football, refereeing responsibility and pub conversation everywhere. What do you think?

Don't forget - the twofootedtackle A to Z of Football is a weekly feature, and your contributions would be welcome and appreciated. If you'd like a football term discussed, feel free to leave a comment and I'll look into it.