Lahm demands sensational start in last 8
Source: AFP |
June 21, 2012, Thursday
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Print Edition
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GERMANY captain Philipp Lahm has challenged his team to start Euro 2012 with a roar when it opens its Group B campaign against Portugal on Saturday.
"We have sensational quality in our squad, we just have to show it now," said the 28-year-old. "That not everything worked perfectly is completely normal as we haven't played together as a group for two weeks.
"It is important we hit the ground running in our first game."
As the only German to play every minute of their 2010 World Cup campaign in South Africa, Lahm took over the captain's armband after former Chelsea star Michael Ballack was ruled out on the eve of the tournament with injury.
Equally at home at right or left-back, Lahm found himself on the left against Israel, having spent most of the season on the right for his club Bayern.
Germany coach Joachim Loew admits he is still toying with the idea of where to play his captain at the Euro.
"Next week we will decide where Lahm will play and that's where he'll play for the entire tournament," said Loew.
His captain says he is just at home on either side.
"I am very relaxed about the whole thing, I believe it is a big advantage to be able to plan on both sides," said Lahm.
"I know I have played at the top level on either side of our defense."
Loew also said he expects Real Madrid midfield star Mesut Ozil to come good.
The 23-year-old provided the final pass which allowed right-back Lars Bender to complete his 80-meter run by drilling home the winning goal in Sunday's 2-1 win over Denmark in Group B which fired Germany into the last eight.
Ozil also won the man-of-the-match award in Germany's opening 1-0 win over Portugal before admitting he could play better and has been mildly criticized in the German media for his performances here at the European championship.
"I am so far satisfied with his performance," Loew said. "He improved sharply against Denmark and showed he is an absolute team player. The major explosion (of form) from Ozil is still to come.
"It was the same during the group phase at the 2010 World Cup," he said.
"We have sensational quality in our squad, we just have to show it now," said the 28-year-old. "That not everything worked perfectly is completely normal as we haven't played together as a group for two weeks.
"It is important we hit the ground running in our first game."
As the only German to play every minute of their 2010 World Cup campaign in South Africa, Lahm took over the captain's armband after former Chelsea star Michael Ballack was ruled out on the eve of the tournament with injury.
Equally at home at right or left-back, Lahm found himself on the left against Israel, having spent most of the season on the right for his club Bayern.
Germany coach Joachim Loew admits he is still toying with the idea of where to play his captain at the Euro.
"Next week we will decide where Lahm will play and that's where he'll play for the entire tournament," said Loew.
His captain says he is just at home on either side.
"I am very relaxed about the whole thing, I believe it is a big advantage to be able to plan on both sides," said Lahm.
"I know I have played at the top level on either side of our defense."
Loew also said he expects Real Madrid midfield star Mesut Ozil to come good.
The 23-year-old provided the final pass which allowed right-back Lars Bender to complete his 80-meter run by drilling home the winning goal in Sunday's 2-1 win over Denmark in Group B which fired Germany into the last eight.
Ozil also won the man-of-the-match award in Germany's opening 1-0 win over Portugal before admitting he could play better and has been mildly criticized in the German media for his performances here at the European championship.
"I am so far satisfied with his performance," Loew said. "He improved sharply against Denmark and showed he is an absolute team player. The major explosion (of form) from Ozil is still to come.
"It was the same during the group phase at the 2010 World Cup," he said.
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