The Germany national team have masterfully overcome their first challenge in the knockout rounds of EURO 2016 in France, with a 3-0 win over Slovakia on Sunday. National coach Joachim Löw, in an interview at DFB.de, appeared very pleased with his team’s performance in Lille, but is looking to the next, probably more testing match in the quarter final in Bordeaux on Saturday (21:00 CEST).
Question: Joachim Löw, What is your assessment of the 3-0 win over Slovakia, in comparison to the group matches?
Joachim Löw: We had a couple of problems in our first matches, just like many other teams. But of course, you can be a bit more cautious in the group stage. We had complete control over the match today and moved the ball well. It was a comfortable victory.
Question: Have your team reinforced their status as title favourites after this round of 16 match?
Löw: With all due respect to the opposition, it has to be said that this game wasn’t exactly a gauge for the rest of the tournament. Now we face a different calibre of opposition, and we definitely need to become even stronger, if we want to have a say at the end of the tournament. We need to raise our game in all areas, and we must not give the opposition any time or space. In the next few matches, the opposition will be less forgiving.
Question: Your opponents in the quarter final will either by title holders Spain or Italy. What concerns does this give your team?
Löw: Well, I’m not having sleepless nights. However, both teams are among the favourites for the tournament. Italy have a very strong defence, as well as good players going forward. And Spain are displaying some of their best attacking play for years. Both teams are very different, but both are similarly strong. The Spaniards are slight favourites, but Italy are also very capable, and will put up a strong resistance. For me, the result is hard to predict.
The Germany national team have masterfully overcome their first challenge in the knockout rounds of EURO 2016 in France, with a 3-0 win over Slovakia on Sunday. National coach Joachim Löw, in an interview at DFB.de, appeared very pleased with his team’s performance in Lille, but is looking to the next, probably more testing match in the quarter final in Bordeaux on Saturday (21:00 CEST).
Question: Joachim Löw, What is your assessment of the 3-0 win over Slovakia, in comparison to the group matches?
Joachim Löw: We had a couple of problems in our first matches, just like many other teams. But of course, you can be a bit more cautious in the group stage. We had complete control over the match today and moved the ball well. It was a comfortable victory.
Question: Have your team reinforced their status as title favourites after this round of 16 match?
Löw: With all due respect to the opposition, it has to be said that this game wasn’t exactly a gauge for the rest of the tournament. Now we face a different calibre of opposition, and we definitely need to become even stronger, if we want to have a say at the end of the tournament. We need to raise our game in all areas, and we must not give the opposition any time or space. In the next few matches, the opposition will be less forgiving.
Question: Your opponents in the quarter final will either by title holders Spain or Italy. What concerns does this give your team?
Löw: Well, I’m not having sleepless nights. However, both teams are among the favourites for the tournament. Italy have a very strong defence, as well as good players going forward. And Spain are displaying some of their best attacking play for years. Both teams are very different, but both are similarly strong. The Spaniards are slight favourites, but Italy are also very capable, and will put up a strong resistance. For me, the result is hard to predict.
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Question: After solid performances against Northern Ireland and Slovakia, have you now found your starting eleven?
Löw: There is no such thing as one team - everyone has a role. We also have a couple of players who are suspended. I still do not know who will play in the next game.
Question: After Mario Gomez’s recent performances, can we at least assume that the false nine won’t be playing a big part for Germany anymore?
Löw: We don’t think about it in terms of false nine or real number nine anymore. If no-one is trying to penetrate the defence, then even a system with a real number nine will face problems. We performed a lot better today and against Northern Ireland. And Mario is making his mark, having scored two goals in two games. He is also displaying good form in training and has rediscovered some self belief.
Question: On the left-hand side, Julian Draxler was very influential with a goal and an assist. How do you assess his performance?
Löw: Julian showed great movement. He displayed a lot of courage with his pace going into one-on-one situations. He worked very hard, and made some intelligent runs. I was very pleased with him.
Question: And Jerome Boateng emphasised his importance in the team. He even popped up to score his first goal in a Germany shirt.
Löw: Jerome has nothing more to prove. I am glad that he was able to play today, because the team know that they rely on him: he wins a lot of tackles and also does a lot going forward. Jerome, as well as Mats Hummels, was very vigilant today. And Jerome’s early goal gave us a lot of security. Normally, he is only there for protection, but he took the ball exceptionally well. It was a brilliant start.
