The past week has shown just how quickly a coach’s fate can be turned upside down. German coach Jürgen Klinsmann sowed abuse after his team’s dismal performance in Bratislava last Saturday. But with the reinstatement of young striker Lukas Podolski into the starting lineup against South Africa on Wednesday and the ensuing 4-2 victory, the calls for his head quieted. Fortunately for Klinsmann, Germany automatically qualifies for next year’s World Cup as host. Not so for England. Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson was well on his way to leading his side to direct qualification for the tournament just ten days ago. But a less than stellar performance against Wales that ended in a narrow 1-0 win against neighbor Wales was topped by a stunning 1-0 defeat at the hands of Northern Ireland. A team England had not lost to since 1927. The reactions in the English press were quick and merciless. “Worst defeat in over 50 years” screamed the Daily Mirror. The tabloid The Sun was more direct — fire Eriksson. And English fans who accompanied the team to Belfast sang “Sack the Swede.” Tactical mistakes Not only the loss to minnows Northern Ireland left a bitter aftertaste, but also how it…