Klinsmann walks away from Germany

Just a little over a month ago, the majority of Germans, especially those in the media, would have loved to see this day happen. However, now that it is here, there is mourning in the soccer ranks.

Juergen Klinsmann has stepped down as coach of Germany. He said it was not an easy decision, but added, 'I feel burned out.'

In his two years as manager, he has completely remade the German game. No longer are they the serious minded teams of years past, now they have fun on the pitch. The best thing about the fun, they score goals and overwhelm opponents with their skill and endless attack.

For his troubles, he got 23 months of criticism and 1 month of pure admiration. Oh, and he might have changed the German game for the next 5-10 years.

As far as his future, he is going back to his home in southern California, and planned to take a six-month break before thinking about his next move. Let's see, six months would be January. Doesn't Bruce Arena's contract go through December? Probably just a coincidence, but it is fun to speculate.

Taking his place is assistant Joachim Loew. Loew says he will continue the changes that Klinsmann has started.

Germany returns to the pitch on Aug. 16 to play a friendly against Sweden.