Germany's men football team are facing a tough opponent on route to an Olympic medal. On Saturday they take on Portugal in the quarter-final in Brasilia (kick-off: 18:00 CEST).
Horst Hrubesch's U21 side suffered a clear 5-0 defeat to Portugal one year ago in the semi-final of the U21 European Championships. It was the highest defeat in the history of Germany's U21 national team. "We still remember what led to that high defeat," said the coach. "And we will certainly not repeat our mistakes." The Olympic Games will be the last major competition for the 65-year-old and he knows that it would "make absolutely no sense" to face elimination now that the medals are within sight. Qualifying for the semi-final would ensure at least a game for bronze.
5-0 defeat at EUROs no longer an issue
The players have also put the high defeat from a year ago behind them. With Timo Horn, Matthias Ginter, Serge Gnabry and Max Meyer there are four players in the Olympic squad who were on present at the 5-0 thumping last year. "The clear defeat from last year is only a minor issue in the back of our heads. We will play with an entirely different team, as will Portugal."
Germany's Olympic football team is expecting a completely different game than last year says Meyer, who has taken over the captain duties after an injury forced Leon Goretzka to return home. "We know about their quality," assures Meyer. "We have to be compact in defence and find the right timing to play forward in order to convert our chances into goals. We've already scored 15 goals this tournament and we know about our abilities in attack."
Meyer: "Very special to lead the team onto the pitch"
In order for the best attack of the tournament to find their rhythm against Portugal, every players is required to play to his best and Meyer is eager to lead by example: "I haven't been captain very often in my career so far and it's a very special occasion to lead the team onto the pitch at the Olympics," explained the FC Schalke 04 attacker. "I have to produce a top performance and lead by example."
Max Meyer assumed the captaincy after his club team mate Leon Goretzka had suffered a shoulder injury during in the opening 2-2 draw with Mexico. Goretzka returned home on Thursday, to continue his recovery at his club.
Horst Hrubesch will decide after the game with Portugal whether a replacement for Goretzka is required - as long as Germany are still in the tournament of course.
Germany's men football team are facing a tough opponent on route to an Olympic medal. On Saturday they take on Portugal in the quarter-final in Brasilia (kick-off: 18:00 CEST).
Horst Hrubesch's U21 side suffered a clear 5-0 defeat to Portugal one year ago in the semi-final of the U21 European Championships. It was the highest defeat in the history of Germany's U21 national team. "We still remember what led to that high defeat," said the coach. "And we will certainly not repeat our mistakes." The Olympic Games will be the last major competition for the 65-year-old and he knows that it would "make absolutely no sense" to face elimination now that the medals are within sight. Qualifying for the semi-final would ensure at least a game for bronze.
5-0 defeat at EUROs no longer an issue
The players have also put the high defeat from a year ago behind them. With Timo Horn, Matthias Ginter, Serge Gnabry and Max Meyer there are four players in the Olympic squad who were on present at the 5-0 thumping last year. "The clear defeat from last year is only a minor issue in the back of our heads. We will play with an entirely different team, as will Portugal."
Germany's Olympic football team is expecting a completely different game than last year says Meyer, who has taken over the captain duties after an injury forced Leon Goretzka to return home. "We know about their quality," assures Meyer. "We have to be compact in defence and find the right timing to play forward in order to convert our chances into goals. We've already scored 15 goals this tournament and we know about our abilities in attack."
Meyer: "Very special to lead the team onto the pitch"
In order for the best attack of the tournament to find their rhythm against Portugal, every players is required to play to his best and Meyer is eager to lead by example: "I haven't been captain very often in my career so far and it's a very special occasion to lead the team onto the pitch at the Olympics," explained the FC Schalke 04 attacker. "I have to produce a top performance and lead by example."
Max Meyer assumed the captaincy after his club team mate Leon Goretzka had suffered a shoulder injury during in the opening 2-2 draw with Mexico. Goretzka returned home on Thursday, to continue his recovery at his club.
Horst Hrubesch will decide after the game with Portugal whether a replacement for Goretzka is required - as long as Germany are still in the tournament of course.
