Jürgen Klinsmann says his Germany team are fighting fit for today's quarter-final tie with Argentina and hopes his side can land the knockout blow in the battle of footballing heavyweights.
"We are ready for an almighty fight - and to win it," Klinsmann
said at Thursday's press conference. "We will go into the match full of agression and passion and see how Argentina respond."
The match-up is reminiscent of the duels in 1986 and 1990 when
West Germany and Argentina played in successive World Cup finals,
winning one apiece. Since then neither side has lifted the trophy and Klinsmann, part of West Germany's victorious 1990 team, admits only one nation can fulfill their fans high hopes.
"Both countries have huge expectations. We know we need to go to
the limits to win and we are ready to do that," Klinsmann declared. "It is special to play against Argentina - one of the best teams in the world. We go into this game full of energy and full of optimism. "I would not say we are overconfident but we have a lot of self belief. If you want to beat a top side like Argentina you need that."
Argentina and Germany met twice last year with both friendlies -
one in Dusseldorf in February and the other in Nuremberg in June - ending 2-2.
The 41-year-old Klinsmann remembers the games well but says
their importance is minimal as both teams had improved so much
since. "I do not think you can compare the 2-2 draws as both teams are stronger now," said the Euro 96 victor.
"The last time we played we could only play for 70 minutes at
our top level. Now we can do 120 minutes. We are confident of
winning without penalties but if we need them then fine.
Ballack important factor
"Another important factor is we have our captain Michael Ballack
back on board." Ballack missed both draws against Argentina as did striker Miroslav Klose, Germany's top-scorer with four goals.
The two games allowed Klinsmann to strike up a rapport with
Argentina coach Jose Pekerman and he expressed admiration for his
work with the two-time winners. "I have a lot of respect for Jose Pekerman and what he has built up with the Argentina team," Klinsmann declared.
"We respect him and his team but we have to concentrate on what
we do. "We are delighted to be in the last eight and it is reward for our two years of hard work. The fact that we are now among the favourites is a real achievement. We see it as an honour not a burden."
Italy or Ukraine will face the winner of the Germany-Argentina
tussle but Klinsmann says he has not thought that far ahead. "We are not thinking of the next round. Hopefully we can watch Ukraine v Italy in a good mood after winning our game," he said.
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Jürgen Klinsmann says his Germany team are fighting fit for today's quarter-final tie with Argentina and hopes his side can land the knockout blow in the battle of footballing heavyweights.
"We are ready for an almighty fight - and to win it," Klinsmann
said at Thursday's press conference. "We will go into the match full of agression and passion and see how Argentina respond."
The match-up is reminiscent of the duels in 1986 and 1990 when
West Germany and Argentina played in successive World Cup finals,
winning one apiece. Since then neither side has lifted the trophy and Klinsmann, part of West Germany's victorious 1990 team, admits only one nation can fulfill their fans high hopes.
"Both countries have huge expectations. We know we need to go to
the limits to win and we are ready to do that," Klinsmann declared. "It is special to play against Argentina - one of the best teams in the world. We go into this game full of energy and full of optimism. "I would not say we are overconfident but we have a lot of self belief. If you want to beat a top side like Argentina you need that."
Argentina and Germany met twice last year with both friendlies -
one in Dusseldorf in February and the other in Nuremberg in June - ending 2-2.
The 41-year-old Klinsmann remembers the games well but says
their importance is minimal as both teams had improved so much
since. "I do not think you can compare the 2-2 draws as both teams are stronger now," said the Euro 96 victor.
"The last time we played we could only play for 70 minutes at
our top level. Now we can do 120 minutes. We are confident of
winning without penalties but if we need them then fine.
[bild2]
Ballack important factor
"Another important factor is we have our captain Michael Ballack
back on board." Ballack missed both draws against Argentina as did striker Miroslav Klose, Germany's top-scorer with four goals.
The two games allowed Klinsmann to strike up a rapport with
Argentina coach Jose Pekerman and he expressed admiration for his
work with the two-time winners. "I have a lot of respect for Jose Pekerman and what he has built up with the Argentina team," Klinsmann declared.
"We respect him and his team but we have to concentrate on what
we do. "We are delighted to be in the last eight and it is reward for our two years of hard work. The fact that we are now among the favourites is a real achievement. We see it as an honour not a burden."
Italy or Ukraine will face the winner of the Germany-Argentina
tussle but Klinsmann says he has not thought that far ahead. "We are not thinking of the next round. Hopefully we can watch Ukraine v Italy in a good mood after winning our game," he said.
