The World Champions remain on track: After the 3-0 victory in the round of 16 game in Lille, captain Bastian Schweinsteiger spoke about the game against Slovakia, his role in the national team and possible opponents in the EURO 2016 quarterfinal in Bordeaux on Saturday (21:00 CEST).
Question: Mr Schweinsteiger, 3-0 against Slovakia – was that Germany’s best game at the tournament so far?
Bastian Schweinsteiger: Definitely in terms of the result. Although our performance in the 0-0 draw with Poland was quite good too – Poland were the highest standard team we’ve faced so far. I would say that these two matches were the best.
Question: Nevertheless, there is always room for improvement. In which areas can the team improve further?
Schweinsteiger: We can still work on taking our chances. But there are also always situations in games. For example, we need to start better to make it easier to win the ball. This was especially the case at the beginning of the second half. Slovakia always tried to spread play and pass it around – and they sometimes did this quite well. Overall, it was a good performance by us.
Question: But?
Schweinsteiger: Now we come up against the teams, against whom you have to prove yourself if you want to go far in this tournament.
Question: Germany will play the winners of the game against Spain and Italy in the quarterfinals. Can you enjoy a relaxing evening watching the match?
The World Champions remain on track: After the 3-0 victory in the round of 16 game in Lille, captain Bastian Schweinsteiger spoke about the game against Slovakia, his role in the national team and possible opponents in the EURO 2016 quarterfinal in Bordeaux on Saturday (21:00 CEST).
Question: Mr Schweinsteiger, 3-0 against Slovakia – was that Germany’s best game at the tournament so far?
Bastian Schweinsteiger: Definitely in terms of the result. Although our performance in the 0-0 draw with Poland was quite good too – Poland were the highest standard team we’ve faced so far. I would say that these two matches were the best.
Question: Nevertheless, there is always room for improvement. In which areas can the team improve further?
Schweinsteiger: We can still work on taking our chances. But there are also always situations in games. For example, we need to start better to make it easier to win the ball. This was especially the case at the beginning of the second half. Slovakia always tried to spread play and pass it around – and they sometimes did this quite well. Overall, it was a good performance by us.
Question: But?
Schweinsteiger: Now we come up against the teams, against whom you have to prove yourself if you want to go far in this tournament.
Question: Germany will play the winners of the game against Spain and Italy in the quarterfinals. Can you enjoy a relaxing evening watching the match?
Schweinsteiger: You already look at the game from a critical perspective and watch your possible opponents, including their current weaknesses and strengths. I think that we’ll all watch and analyse the game.
Question: Who would you prefer to play against? Who do you stand a better chance against?
Schweinsteiger: That doesn’t make a great difference. Italy and Spain play relatively similar football. But it all actually depends on how we play.
Question: Have you seen a better team than Germany in the tournament?
Schweinsteiger: I’m a bit surprised. I think that not as many teams have been at their best as in previous European Championships. I actually thought that Croatia would progress further but that’s not the case. Otherwise, Spain look like the strongest playing side and Belgium. But overall, there are no standout performers.
Question: How do you see your current role in the team?
Schweinsteiger: Three months ago I got injured, I’ve not played for many weeks. For me, it’s about being here and being healthy. I’m pleased with how it’s gone so far. I’ve got some game time and already scored.
Recorded by DFB.de.
