Here is an interesting article that recently appeared in the NY Times, examining the resurgence of German football:

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/26/sports/soccer/as-europe-struggles-germany-invests-heavily-in-soccer.html?hp&_r=2&

It gives some background on how the DFB regrouped after the disastrous European Championships in 2000, investing heavily in the youth system.

While most of the article is good, this line pissed me off:

"Germany was known for robotic play, bad weather and worse food."

The food is bad in Germany? Are you freaking kidding me? As soon as I read this, I wanted to go find the author, and smack him upside the head.