Löw: "No streaky qualifying this time"

Germany face Norway on Sunday in their first competitive match since their semi-final exit against France at the 2016 European Championships. Germany coach Joachim Löw and midfielder Toni Kroos spoke to the media on Saturday to talk about the upcoming World Cup qualifier.

JOACHIM LÖW ON...

... THE SQUAD SITUATION: All players are fit. Julian Draxler was able to train again yesterday as well. There will be some players in the team who didn't feature against Finland.

... THE CHANCE OF MAX MEYER AND JULIAN BRANDT MAKING APPEARANCES: Both have the quality to play for us but we still have to be careful. Both played at the Olympics and therefore we have to make sure they recover well and get through the next few weeks, however, I wouldn't be afraid to bring either one of them.

... TACTICS: The team is good enough to play both systems - with three or four players at the back. We could even see both formations within one game.

... THE FAVOURITES TAG: Norway lost their last game against Belarus, but they will line-up differently on Sunday. Playing against the World Champions is the biggest game of their qualification campaign and possibly the next few years for them. Norway are stronger than Finland and will provide a stern test for us. We will have more possession overall but Norway are always solid defensively and good at counter attacking as well as attacking set-pieces.

... THE START OF WORLD CUP QUALIFYING: We didn't come to Norway to enjoy the beautiful scenery. We came here to win the game. This time, we don't want to have such a streaky qualification as we did for the EURO's. Therefore it's important that we enter the game with our full concentration and take three points home with us.

... THE TEAM’S MOTIVATION: After a major tournament you have to inspire yourself anew. When I had a vision a few years ago, we accomplished a lot with it. That's both confirmation and motivation. We are a team that can dominate the opposition but our analysis from the EURO's showed that we lack efficiency. In the semi-final against France we played well, had a lot of possession, showed a good attitude but still lost. Therefore I have two or three areas that we want to work on intensely and that is what motivates me. Furthermore, it's fun to integrate new players between tournaments.

TONI KROOS ON...

... THE OPPONENTS NORWAY: We had a team meeting yesterday, where we talked about Norway. It's to be expected that they will play defensively but I think they are better on the counter than Finland. We will be entering the game as favourites and we expect to return home with three points.

... THE BEGINNING OF THE QUALIFICATION CAMPAIGN: We made it difficult for ourselves during qualification for the EURO's, where we had to deliver results towards the end. This time we want to start well. That's why we want the three points.

... POTENTIAL DIFFICULTIES: We will qualify for the World Cup in Russia, I can guarantee you that.

... THE LACK OF EFFICIENCY IN ATTACK: Everyone is required to deliver. Those who are supposed to carry the ball forwards and those who are supposed to score the goals. Our philosophy won't change much, since it's a proven idea that works. We hope to show a more clinical approach tomorrow.

... BEING IN THE TEAM COUNCIL: You can view it as a sign of appreciation but my tasks won't really change.

... WEARING THE NUMBER “8”: I wear the number 8 with Real Madrid, feel very comfortable with it and don't get mixed up as much when I'm signing autographs anymore.