Germany's 'ageing footballers'

As the countdown to Euro 2000 continues, the German national team is preparing to prove to fans - and to the rest of Europe - that it is still a formidable force on the pitch. The team is trying to overcome squabbles between players, public criticism of its coach, and some mediocre performances. Last Saturday, Gernmany beat the Czech Republic 3-2 in a warm-up match, but German fans still think that their team is too old and dull to have any chance of retaining the title it won four years ago in England.