Attacking Football: The Perfect Formula

Germany has had it's fair share of hatred from nations around the world.

Their footballing side are hated by England and Argentina just to name a few.

The football fans in low ranked footballing countries such as Bangladesh and India tend to support other nations. Before 2006, most chose Argentina or Brazil but very few chose the Germans. I was one of those few!

Grit and determination always take the Germans through in any competition. I don't even have to quote what Gary Linekar said.

The 2002 World Cup was a prime example of what the Germans usually do. Two players drove the Germans to the final—Michael Ballack and Oliver Kahn. All the while another player, Miroslav Klose provided goals in the group stage. In the final, without the suspended Ballack and due to Olli Kahn's mistake, the Germans had to settle for runner-up medals.

When the Germans got knocked out in the group stages of Euro 2004, Rudi Voeller knew his time was up. In stepped the young duo of Jurgen Klinsmann and Joachim Low.

And the revolution started.

With their attacking style of play, the Germans won over millions and even conquered some English hearts. They made it to the semis and very unluckily had to go out to two last minute goals from the Italians.

Germany ended up with third place in the World Cup. They didn't win the trophy but they won over many fans.

Now let's take a look at Arsenal, Hoffenheim and Werder Bremen.

Arsenal had an incredible unbeaten run that extended up to 49 matches. They played attacking football and duly won the Premier League and FA Cup.

They have been trophy-less since 2005. Back then the Arsenal team had the correct blend of youth and experience. At the moment, most of the squad is under 25.

The Arsenal fans gave their beloved team a hard time the past season due to not getting the right results—but this was more due to the Gunners turning up for match and not turning up for another.

Hoffenheim would have ended up as champions most probably if they hadn't lost Vedad Ibisevic for the whole season. At the same time, they also lost Demba Ba and Carlos Eduardo for a short team.

Yet, with attacking style of play, they won over millions of fans from all around the world.

Werder Bremen has provided breathtaking football not only in the Bundesliga and German Cup, but also in Europe. Their victory against Hoffenheim (5-4) is an unforgettable one.

They won the domestic double in 2004 and the German Cup this year.

All in all, these examples show you the same thing. Attacking football wins you fans but not too many trophies.

Right?

No, absolutely wrong!

Barcelona played their attacking football in three different competitions—La Liga, Spanish King's Cup and Champions League. When you have the right players to attack, you are going to play your football to perfection.

Germany were a good attacking side but Lady Luck wasn't smiling on them.

Arsenal didn't have the right blend due to Van Persie and Fabregas's injuries and lack of experience. Andrei Arshavin may be able to steady the ship though.

Bremen need a few more Pizarros to add to the Oezils while Hoffenheim just earned promotion last season.

On the other hand, Barca have Andres Iniesta and Xavi pulling the strings in midfield. They have the little genius Lionel Messi up front along with the experience of Thierry Henry and a natural target man in the form of Samuel Eto'o. They have Dani Alves, the little devil running havoc as well. I am not an admirer of him though.

For the Champions League final, neutrals decided to support Barcelona including me as Barca had stunned us with their football.

Thus the only way to conquer fans and trophies is attacking football.

Just ask Pep Guordiola!