BUOYED by a new found, if somewhat improbable sense of unity, Germany will tomorrow lay the foundations for what many believe will be another triumph for collective purpose.

Seasoned observers would agree it is usually at this point in proceedings that the Teutonic machine is accused of being dysfunctional. The wheels never quite come off, of course, it's just that those who stoutly refuse to be submerged by history's tide, like nothing better than to bait the more accomplished.

Tomorrow, at Old Trafford, Germany open Pool C against the Czech Republic. Up until this week, the German squad was in disarray. Or so we were all told so we all believed. If the main storyline revolved around a recent loss to France in a friendly international which saw one too many players seeking to protect aching limbs, the sub plot was a good deal more sinister.

All season long Bayern Munich team mates Jurgen Klinsmann and Lothar Matthaus have traded insults in a vitriolic and petty war of words which had little to do with sporting ethics and much to do with bulging egos. Quite simply, one of them had to go. Klinsmann remains everyone's favourite son. Despite his contribution to Germany's World Cup triumph six years ago, Matthaus is not. He it was who was jettisoned amid a barrage of hurtful jibes and insults. Ironically, Klinsmann will miss tomorrow's game because of suspension. Vogts, meanwhile, has yet to decide on his starting line up, although a front pairing of Kuntz and Bobic seems highly probable. "I believe we are in good shape and that we are ready for the tournament. It is a competition of many great teams it will be fascinating," said Vogts.

Peace may now have broken out but it was not always so. "Yes, there have been some problems but we are all together now and we share the same objectives" said Vogts.

Despite a capacity for the unexpected, it is rather difficult to see the Czechs as anything other than make weights in a section which also boasts Italy and Russia. On Thursday, Dusan Uhrin's side demolished the Unibond League's Bamber Bridge 9-1, they did so without Tomas Skuhravy, who sits out the tournament. "He is on holiday in his bar" said Uhrin, wryly.