The DFB-Team have been preparing for the Olympics since the middle of last week and arrived in Salvador on Sunday. Horst Hrubesch’s men are currently getting used to life in Brazil ahead of Thursday’s opening fixture against Mexico (22:00 CEST), however, this process shouldn’t be too problematic for Matthias Ginter.
The versatile Dortmund defender already has excellent memories of the country. In 2014 he was part of the Germany side that won the FIFA World Cup under Joachim Löw. “It’s lovely to be here again,” explained Ginter, who added that “lovely memories have flooded back. We also flew to Rio before heading to Salvador. In fact, we’re staying at the same hotel.”
Ginter: "I wanted to be at the Olympics"
Lots of things have changed for the 22-year-old since that magical night in Rio. Immediately after the World Cup he left SC Freiburg to join BVB. He has subsequently played in both of Europe’s cup competitions, as well as two DFB Cup finals. This experience is bound to be useful throughout the Brazilian experience.
Despite this development, he has featured infrequently for Die Mannschaft and wasn’t in France for this summer’s European Championship. “Obviously it was disappointing not to be selected. Ahead of the break I told Horst Hrubesch that I wanted the chance to come here. Thankfully he chose me and discussions with BVB were merely a formality.”
Competing in Group C alongside Mexico, South Korea and Fiji
The last week has been a tricky one for Ginter. He flew back from China with Dortmund on Friday before jetting off to Brazil two days. He has covered almost 20,000km in four days, but wouldn’t change anything. “I’m still young and you have to take the chances offered to you. The Olympics are special. We’re all motivated and want to reach the final in Rio.”
The first of a potential five games before the showpiece event takes place on Thursday against Mexico, who won Gold at London 2012. They face South Korea in Salvador three days after their opener (21:00 CEST) before facing Fiji in Belo Horizonte on 10th August (21:00 CEST). The quarters are scheduled for 13th August, the semis take place four days later and the medal matches will played on 20th August.
Tough schedule
“Playing games in short burst is tough but at the same time it means we stay in our rhythm and that the excitement remains there,” stated Ginter. He feels that victory over Mexico in the opening game could be crucial, but is wary of them: “They have a very strong team. However, if we reach our potential then it will be tough for them. We know that we’re in control of our own destiny.”
The DFB-Team have been preparing for the Olympics since the middle of last week and arrived in Salvador on Sunday. Horst Hrubesch’s men are currently getting used to life in Brazil ahead of Thursday’s opening fixture against Mexico (22:00 CEST), however, this process shouldn’t be too problematic for Matthias Ginter.
The versatile Dortmund defender already has excellent memories of the country. In 2014 he was part of the Germany side that won the FIFA World Cup under Joachim Löw. “It’s lovely to be here again,” explained Ginter, who added that “lovely memories have flooded back. We also flew to Rio before heading to Salvador. In fact, we’re staying at the same hotel.”
Ginter: "I wanted to be at the Olympics"
Lots of things have changed for the 22-year-old since that magical night in Rio. Immediately after the World Cup he left SC Freiburg to join BVB. He has subsequently played in both of Europe’s cup competitions, as well as two DFB Cup finals. This experience is bound to be useful throughout the Brazilian experience.
Despite this development, he has featured infrequently for Die Mannschaft and wasn’t in France for this summer’s European Championship. “Obviously it was disappointing not to be selected. Ahead of the break I told Horst Hrubesch that I wanted the chance to come here. Thankfully he chose me and discussions with BVB were merely a formality.”
Competing in Group C alongside Mexico, South Korea and Fiji
The last week has been a tricky one for Ginter. He flew back from China with Dortmund on Friday before jetting off to Brazil two days. He has covered almost 20,000km in four days, but wouldn’t change anything. “I’m still young and you have to take the chances offered to you. The Olympics are special. We’re all motivated and want to reach the final in Rio.”
The first of a potential five games before the showpiece event takes place on Thursday against Mexico, who won Gold at London 2012. They face South Korea in Salvador three days after their opener (21:00 CEST) before facing Fiji in Belo Horizonte on 10th August (21:00 CEST). The quarters are scheduled for 13th August, the semis take place four days later and the medal matches will played on 20th August.
Tough schedule
“Playing games in short burst is tough but at the same time it means we stay in our rhythm and that the excitement remains there,” stated Ginter. He feels that victory over Mexico in the opening game could be crucial, but is wary of them: “They have a very strong team. However, if we reach our potential then it will be tough for them. We know that we’re in control of our own destiny.”
