The week of preparation is over and the team have adapted to the climatic conditions in Brazil, which will count on the pitch. The Germany Olympic team will begin their quest for silverware tonight with their first match in Group C at 22:00 CEST (17:00 local time) against Mexico. Horst Hrubesch’s team knows how important it is to have a strong start if they hope to head back home with medals at the end.
“All of the players are fit, no one is carrying any injuries. We are ready,” stated Horst Hrubesch at the official press conference the day before the game, however he knows that Mexico will be a tricky proposition: “They are very physical and aggressive. They are also the defending champions. I have seen them a number of times and they are very strong from set pieces,” explained the 65-year-old. Starting with a win against the Mexicans is even more important considering their exploits at London 2012: “A win would give us the necessary security. These three points would be exactly what we need to help us progress in a tournament like this.”
A good Omen beginning in Salvador
Comparisons to the senior team are very close. Die Mannschaft were in Brazil, where the Olympic games are being held, only two years ago for the World Cup. They also began the tournament in Salvador and began with a 4-0 win over Portugal. More or less a good omen for the Germany Olympic team: “We have to write our own story. The 2014 team had their own spirit and we are developing ours,” said Hrubesch.
The team are working together well despite the short preparation time .The players have done their bit and sometimes even more by taking part in additional training sessions in order to fulfill their dream of winning an Olympic medal. “We have explained a lot recently how fascinating the Olympic Village is. That’s why we want to finish top of our group, win our quarterfinal and make it to the Olympic Village for the semi-final. We will be together every step of the way on our journey,” commented Hrubesch.
They will have a big obstacle to overcome in the Arena Fonte Nova tonight. The head coach is confident though: “If the lads play to their potential then we can win against anyone.”
The week of preparation is over and the team have adapted to the climatic conditions in Brazil, which will count on the pitch. The Germany Olympic team will begin their quest for silverware tonight with their first match in Group C at 22:00 CEST (17:00 local time) against Mexico. Horst Hrubesch’s team knows how important it is to have a strong start if they hope to head back home with medals at the end.
“All of the players are fit, no one is carrying any injuries. We are ready,” stated Horst Hrubesch at the official press conference the day before the game, however he knows that Mexico will be a tricky proposition: “They are very physical and aggressive. They are also the defending champions. I have seen them a number of times and they are very strong from set pieces,” explained the 65-year-old. Starting with a win against the Mexicans is even more important considering their exploits at London 2012: “A win would give us the necessary security. These three points would be exactly what we need to help us progress in a tournament like this.”
A good Omen beginning in Salvador
Comparisons to the senior team are very close. Die Mannschaft were in Brazil, where the Olympic games are being held, only two years ago for the World Cup. They also began the tournament in Salvador and began with a 4-0 win over Portugal. More or less a good omen for the Germany Olympic team: “We have to write our own story. The 2014 team had their own spirit and we are developing ours,” said Hrubesch.
The team are working together well despite the short preparation time .The players have done their bit and sometimes even more by taking part in additional training sessions in order to fulfill their dream of winning an Olympic medal. “We have explained a lot recently how fascinating the Olympic Village is. That’s why we want to finish top of our group, win our quarterfinal and make it to the Olympic Village for the semi-final. We will be together every step of the way on our journey,” commented Hrubesch.
They will have a big obstacle to overcome in the Arena Fonte Nova tonight. The head coach is confident though: “If the lads play to their potential then we can win against anyone.”
