Rudi Resigns After German Defeat

As the three-time European champion and 2002 World Cup runner-up prepared to head home painfully early, frustration was written large on Rudi Völler's face Wednesday. "It's a huge disappointment" he told reporters. "Two years ago we were so glad to become World Cup runner-up, now we're out, and that's bitter."

It certainly was a humiliating end to what's been a testing few early games for Germany. After an uninspiring performance against Latvia following a spirited first game against Holland, Wednesday's series of missed opportunities and a glaring lack of an effective goal-getter in what was to be Germany's final match left the nation wondering what possessed Völler to send his men to Portugal without a quality striker.

Riots in Hamburg

Often accused of lacking sufficient tactical know-how, it looks like the coach has failed to weather the inevitable storm of criticism the team's poor performance unleashed back home.

As the bad news sank in late Wednesday, some 150 devastated fans went on a rampage through downtown Hamburg, injuring a television cameraman and leaving a trail of upturned garbage containers and flower pots in their wake.

Police arrested 23 people before the rioters dispersed around midnight.

Picking up the pieces

Völler himself has a distinguished career as a striker to his credit, both at club and international level.

When he took over as Germany’s coach in 2000, he had no experience in the role other than a brief spell as caretaker. And after his predeccessor Erich Ribbeck’s disastrous stint, he had his work cut out for him.

But against the odds, the man widely considered to be well-liked and reliable soon won over the nation, restoring faith in the beleagured team and successfully rebuilding morale.

Time for change

In recent months, though, the team has failed to live up to its daunting reputation. In the run-up to Euro 2004, Völler admitted the German side had seen better days after losing games against Romania and Hungary. Nonetheless, his own status seemed unchallenged.

"We're certainly not among the favourites," Völler said before the championships kicked off, but added "I'll certainly stay as team coach through to 2006, when the Germans host the World Cup."

But now, with outgoing Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld waiting in the wings, the time seems right for a replacement.

At the German Soccer Association press conference Thursday, Völler linked his decision to step down two years ahead of schedule with the World Cup in 2006. "I feel that what with Germany hosting the World Cup, it's important to have a coach with a flawless record," he said. "Someone who can build up a certain credit over the next two years, the sort of credit I had four years ago."