Be afraid… Germany think they’re even better than at World Cup
Germany warmed up for a potential semi-final clash with England by insisting they have improved since the World Cup.
Real Madrid star Sami Khedira says the tournament joint favourites are a stronger outfit than the one that beat England 4-1 in the last 16 in South Africa.
The Germans, Group B winners with the maximum nine points, play Greece in Gdansk tomorrow night.
Further success and Joachim Loew’s team will lie in wait for either England or Italy.
That has boosted confidence, although coach Loew and his players still believe they have to iron out a few problems before they peak.
Despite England being outplayed by the effervescent Germans at the World Cup, Khedira, 25, said: “We have progressed. As a team we are much better prepared than 2010.
“We have more class, a more calm, calculated style. Look at our group stage – we had Portugal, the Dutch and Denmark – and anyone who tops that group deserves it. It was a fantastic achievement.
“The next step is to shed the frivolous aspects of our play. In South Africa we were cheeky, fresh and pert, and at times we have also to show that aspect of our game too.
“We enter the field fairly well informed about our opponents and their style and formations.
“You probably think differently – but we are focusing on Greece.
“It is clear that surprises can be just around the corner, so we are well advised not to think one step ahead. That is a major risk.
“We survived the group, a good thing.
“If we really do make the semis then the teams we could meet deserve to be there and won’t be any weaker than Spain, not by a long shot.”
Midfielder
Category: Africa News
