Kahn will be on World Cup team

When Kahn, the goalkeeper whose saves took Germany all the way to the World Cup final in 2002, was told last weekend that he is no longer the No. 1 keeper for the coming tournament, there were explosions of outrage dropped like hand grenades on his behalf.

But none from Kahn. He kept his counsel, played his game for Bayern Munich on Saturday, and suppressed his disappointment. On Monday, he was ready to call a press conference. Many, including those who made the biggest noise when he was demoted, expected Kahn to rest on his 84 German caps and say good-bye to the national team.

Instead, he said: "This cannot be about personal vanity. It's about something much bigger, a World Cup on home soil.

"I'm not the sort of person who can't lose. It's not an easy situation. Of course I was disappointed not to be chosen as first choice after working so hard. But it's more important that I give my support to the whole team so that we can achieve our objective, to be world champions."

Kahn even said the words no one expected to hear - that he will support the team, including Jens Lehmann, the Arsenal goalie who has been his understudy, his rival, sometimes his acrimonious opponent, and who has leapfrogged him as the first choice.

"A huge compliment to Oliver," said Jürgen Klinsmann, the national coach who made the decision between the 36- year-old keepers and, by no means friendly, rivals.

"His experience and willingness to stay and help us have a successful World Cup are really important."

The example is important. The fact that Kahn bit his lip, considered his options, and chose to come out so clearly and so swiftly in support of Klinsmann is immeasurably more sensible than most people expected. Lehmann has earned the place, on form alone in recent months. Kahn also knows that the backup is one injury away from starting.

Should Kahn decide one day to pursue the job of national team trainer, his words this week boosted his chances.

Looking back, how relieved Klinsmann must be that his first act as Germany's coach was to remove the captain's arm band from Kahn. This was a decision based on personality, on form, and on the preference for a leader in the outfield.

The twist is that the new captain, Kahn's club mate Michael Ballack, is still negotiating a move away from Germany. Ballack is going to Chelsea, we simply wait to hear when and for how much.