There is just one day to go until the eagerly looked forward to World Cup quarter-final tie between Germany and France at Rio de Janeiro’s legendary Maracana (live on ARD from 18:00 CEST on Friday). Die Mannschaft will undergo their final training session at 14:30 local time today before national coach Joachim Löw answers questions at the pre-match press conference from 15:40 local time.
On Wednesday, the two standout players from the Algeria match, goalscorer André Schürrle and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, faced the media alongside goalkeeping coach Andreas Köpke. DFB.de brings you the highlights.
ANDRÉ SCHÜRRLE ON......
... the encounter with France: I’m looking forward to Rio, where we’ll face top opponents with huge individual quality. We have an intense match ahead of us; both squads are full of ability.
... what German playing style to expect: We’re going into this match with confidence. We want to dominate the game again; if we can do that, I’m sure we’ll make it into the next round.
... criticism after the Algeria match: Of course there’ll be criticism whenever your performance isn’t 100 per cent, but all that matters is that we progressed. I also think the fans would prefer us to win despite not playing so well than to play beautifully but exit the tournament.
... his substitute role: I’d be delighted to be able to start matches. I’m eager, in good shape and ready to step up if the coach calls on me. Whenever I sit on the bench, I prepare myself for playing and look at how I can help the team if I’m brought on. It’s all about the bigger picture; we want to win the title and in that case it’s okay if I come off the bench and help the team that way.
... Mesut Özil: Even before his goal he was laidback and relaxed, but scoring gave him a real boost. His best World Cup performances are yet to come.
MANUEL NEUER ON...
... Germany’s next opponents: France are very unpredictable, but we know what we can do and we’ve got to execute it well.
... his playing style: I always try to assess each situation properly and get to the ball before my opponent to defuse any one-on-one situations as early as possible.
... on the Algeria match: We’re not totally satisfied with the way we played, but it’s clear we also left the pitch as deserved winners. I hope we can keep improving, but all that counts in the end is success – that’s the be all and end all.
... Bastian Schweinsteiger: He has fought his way back from his injury and brought control and rhythm to our play. We rely on him whenever he is on the pitch. Bastian’s great strength is being a team player.
ANDREAS KÖPKE ON...
... tactics with four centre-backs in the back four: Of course, we don’t cling stubbornly to our line-up. We’re discussing it all internally and will come to whatever decision is best for us and with which we can have the best possible chance of success.
... the French team: They have a very technically adept team that is extremely well organised. In Benzema they have a very good striker as well as experienced players in midfield. We’ll try to restrict their playing style while at the same time playing our own game.
... improvements to Germany’s game: We’ve got to be opportunist, but we’ll improve on Friday. We’re looking forward to Rio.
... criticism within the team: There is always an element of straight talking within the squad, otherwise we’d never improve.
... Khedira and Schweinsteiger: They both found their form again and could probably have lasted a full 90 or 120 minutes. Overall though, all the players have to play every match at full throttle; once they can no longer do that, we can bring on strong alternatives from our bench.
created by dfb
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There is just one day to go until the eagerly looked forward to World Cup quarter-final tie between Germany and France at Rio de Janeiro’s legendary Maracana (live on ARD from 18:00 CEST on Friday). Die Mannschaft will undergo their final training session at 14:30 local time today before national coach Joachim Löw answers questions at the pre-match press conference from 15:40 local time.
On Wednesday, the two standout players from the Algeria match, goalscorer André Schürrle and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, faced the media alongside goalkeeping coach Andreas Köpke. DFB.de brings you the highlights.
ANDRÉ SCHÜRRLE ON......
... the encounter with France: I’m looking forward to Rio, where we’ll face top opponents with huge individual quality. We have an intense match ahead of us; both squads are full of ability.
... what German playing style to expect: We’re going into this match with confidence. We want to dominate the game again; if we can do that, I’m sure we’ll make it into the next round.
... criticism after the Algeria match: Of course there’ll be criticism whenever your performance isn’t 100 per cent, but all that matters is that we progressed. I also think the fans would prefer us to win despite not playing so well than to play beautifully but exit the tournament.
... his substitute role: I’d be delighted to be able to start matches. I’m eager, in good shape and ready to step up if the coach calls on me. Whenever I sit on the bench, I prepare myself for playing and look at how I can help the team if I’m brought on. It’s all about the bigger picture; we want to win the title and in that case it’s okay if I come off the bench and help the team that way.
... Mesut Özil: Even before his goal he was laidback and relaxed, but scoring gave him a real boost. His best World Cup performances are yet to come.
MANUEL NEUER ON...
... Germany’s next opponents: France are very unpredictable, but we know what we can do and we’ve got to execute it well.
... his playing style: I always try to assess each situation properly and get to the ball before my opponent to defuse any one-on-one situations as early as possible.
... on the Algeria match: We’re not totally satisfied with the way we played, but it’s clear we also left the pitch as deserved winners. I hope we can keep improving, but all that counts in the end is success – that’s the be all and end all.
... Bastian Schweinsteiger: He has fought his way back from his injury and brought control and rhythm to our play. We rely on him whenever he is on the pitch. Bastian’s great strength is being a team player.
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ANDREAS KÖPKE ON...
... tactics with four centre-backs in the back four: Of course, we don’t cling stubbornly to our line-up. We’re discussing it all internally and will come to whatever decision is best for us and with which we can have the best possible chance of success.
... the French team: They have a very technically adept team that is extremely well organised. In Benzema they have a very good striker as well as experienced players in midfield. We’ll try to restrict their playing style while at the same time playing our own game.
... improvements to Germany’s game: We’ve got to be opportunist, but we’ll improve on Friday. We’re looking forward to Rio.
... criticism within the team: There is always an element of straight talking within the squad, otherwise we’d never improve.
... Khedira and Schweinsteiger: They both found their form again and could probably have lasted a full 90 or 120 minutes. Overall though, all the players have to play every match at full throttle; once they can no longer do that, we can bring on strong alternatives from our bench.
