UEFA EURO 2016

Germany wants to write history

In the quarter-finals of the European Championships for the DFB-Elf to a duel with Italy. Since the days will be dedicated to this game, the history, because Germany was able to win in a tournament. That should change now.

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European championship quarter-final: Germany V Italy

Again and again, Catherine looks nervous on your mobile phone, the “Allemagne”-sticker is not to be overlooked. The arms are with Germany flags painted on the back of the number 13 emits. The Frenchwoman is for three hours with their Girlfriends in front of the team hotel, the DFB-Eleven in the vicinity of the Stade Bordeaux-Atlantique. You wait impatiently for the arrival of the world champion. Thomas Müller, “piggy” and Jérome Boateng do you want to see.

Just before half past eight, the Bus drives up and then finally disappears, but in the hotel car Park. Much to see there that evening for the Fans of the German national team. A couple of professionals to greet is to say, from a safe distance while on the way to the Hotel. “The players are focused. Each game can also be the last, because you immediately feel a certain amount of tension,” said German coach Joachim Löw, a little later, at the press conference. “The Team has been concentrating trains, but also the necessary looseness is shown. That is what it takes.”

“We have the potential to beat any Nation”

Löw can draw on Saturday on all 23 players. Surprising change, however, cannot be. At the last tournament-duel with the Italians four years ago, Löw had changed his Team on many positions – Germany lost 1:2, and adopted in the summer holidays. “We have failed, especially in the big tournaments in Italy. But we want to prove that it is otherwise,” said Mesut Özil. “We have shown in a friendly game that we can beat them. We have the potential to beat any Nation.”

The defeat against Italy in 2012, hurts the German team – it means that in the EM semi-final

Even if the coach is not in the cards, so there are few reasons to change his successful Eleven from the past Games. Italy have not only his qualities in the Defensive, but also in the Offensive, said Loew, adding: “It also depends on the form of the day, but the Italians are sure to be eye-to-eye.”

“Germany is the best team in the world”

In terms of the intensity and the aggressiveness, with the help of the “Squadra Azzurra” to the work, and you might even see the nose in front. “It’s about power, blood, sweat, and tears,” said goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon full-bodied. Rigorous and determined, the defenders Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini to go. DFB-team striker Mario Gomez and his Offensive counterparts have to adjust to strenuous battles. “We can hurt you, where we you,” said Italy’s national coach Antonio Conte. “It is a quarter-final and you can play either offensive or defensive. Germany is the best team in the world and we will give everything.”

De Rossi (R.) plays, or he doesn’t play?

As the champion of the world will act of 2006, in the Offensive, also depends on the health condition of Daniele De Rossi. The midfield Maestro couldn’t take part in the final training, and coached instead of individually behind closed doors. “You always have to assume that you want to surprise the opponent with the statement,” said Löw. “I think De Rossi is a very good player. Even if he can’t play: Italy always finds a good solution.”

Chance against Italy as

Still no victory in a final against Italy – the history has been warmed up in the past few days. You have no “Italy Trauma” and the
“Azzurri” are not “fear enemies”, were the statements of the professionals in unison. The proof can deliver the DFB-Eleven on Saturday. To beat the possibility of Italy was perhaps never greater, as the champion of the world is currently in a really good condition. “The winner can be the champion of Europe. All of the Teams in the quarter-finals the semi-finals, have the quality to do so. But the Finale is still far away. This is no walk in the honey,” said Löw, and smiled: “I don’t know how to translate in Italian.”