Selke: At U21 level, the Italians are well-known for being very clever and efficient in the way they play. They don't need too many chances in attack so our defence will need to be wide awake. But we've been defending well and haven't conceded a goal in the opening two matches. The Italians are also always strong in the challenges and we'll need to be up for every one. Not just in the duels though, we'll also have to help each other and work hard when we don't have the ball.
DFB.de: Will you change your approach to the Italy game at all in the light of their defeat to the Czech Republic?
Selke: Of course, with three points there is more pressure on them than us, but that won't change the way they play. Even if both teams were going into this game with six points to their names, the Italians would still want to win. We need to give everything and be up for it from the start. It will be a tough match against the Italians - like every other international match.
After he scored the opening goal in Germany's 3-0 win over Denmark, every one of the 9,300 spectators in the Cracovia Stadium could see the weight that had been lifted from Davie Selke's shoulders. The 22-year-old headed for the corner and saluted in a manner which said 'job done'. Selke's superb opening goal against the Danes helped Germany make it two wins from two group games and move ever closer to the semi-finals. Hertha Berlin's new signing missed a penalty in the 2-0 win over the Czech Republic. We caught up with the striker to discuss, among other things, his goal against Denmark and the important final group game against Italy on Saturday (20:45 CEST).
DFB.de: Davie Selke, hand on heart, was your goal against Denmark planned?
Davie Selke: (laughs) Yes, the ball from Jerry (Jeremy Toljan) landed right at my right foot and I wanted to bend it into the top left corner. The fact that that's exactly what happened was simply amazing.
DFB.de: How big a burden was lifted from your shoulders when that went in?
Selke: A big one. I haven't had an easy year and then I missed that penalty in the first match against the Czech Republic. Even though I was pleased to win the opening match, I didn't sleep well. When you miss chances like that they stay with you. What was noticeable was how my teammates picked me up and encouraged me to keep going. The coach and the trainers did the same. I'm pleased that I could pay them back and help the team - also with my assist for the third goal.
DFB.de: What do you think the factors were which led to things falling into place for you?
Selke: The most important thing is that you keep believing in yourself and keep working. It sounds boring. First I looked at myself and prayed and then I kept motivating myself. I told myself that I would take the next chance. The mind is the most important thing and, as I said, it helps when you have the backing of the whole team. I think that almost everyone said to me that I would score against Denmark and that's what happened.
DFB.de: Does the fact that your coach Stefan Kuntz previously played as a striker? Does he have a particular approach with you?
Selke: Definitely. That was also the case under Horst Hrubesch. Every striker knows what it feels like to miss a chance or to go through a lean spell. So it always helps to get advice from a former top striker.
DFB.de: How happy were you with the performance of the team against Denmark?
Selke: We can be very pleased. It wasn't an easy game. The Danes are a tricky and compact team to play against. You could see that in the first half. But we could've taken the lead in the first half. We had two or three good opportunities. Then once we went 1-0 up everything clicked into place. When we play at that level we'll be a difficult opponent for anybody. Also the players who come on off the bench can cause damage.
DFB.de: Italy surprisingly lost 3-1 to the Czech Republic and are under pressure going into the final group game against Germany. They have to win.
Selke: No one expected Italy to drop points. I think everyone thought that Germany and Italy would go into the final group game with six points each. Now it's different and we're in the better position. But we're not safe yet, even though we have two wins from two games. The way this tournament is set up is treacherous.
DFB.de: A draw would be enough to guarantee you top spot in the group and a passage into the semi-final.
Selke: Playing for a draw never works in football. We want to win, but we know it will be a difficult match.
DFB.de: What are you expecting from the Italians on Saturday?
Selke: At U21 level, the Italians are well-known for being very clever and efficient in the way they play. They don't need too many chances in attack so our defence will need to be wide awake. But we've been defending well and haven't conceded a goal in the opening two matches. The Italians are also always strong in the challenges and we'll need to be up for every one. Not just in the duels though, we'll also have to help each other and work hard when we don't have the ball.
DFB.de: Will you change your approach to the Italy game at all in the light of their defeat to the Czech Republic?
Selke: Of course, with three points there is more pressure on them than us, but that won't change the way they play. Even if both teams were going into this game with six points to their names, the Italians would still want to win. We need to give everything and be up for it from the start. It will be a tough match against the Italians - like every other international match.
