Germany coach Joachim Loew has warned hosts Brazil that his side will mean business when the teams meet in the World Cup semi-final, proclaiming: "We're not done yet.
Joachim Low
Rio de Janeiro: Germany coach Joachim Loew has warned hosts Brazil that his side will mean business when the teams meet in the World Cup semi-final, proclaiming: "We're not done yet."
Joachim Loew
The Germans will be bidding to reach their first World Cup final since 2002 — when they were beaten by Brazil — in Belo Horizonte today.
ADVERTISEMENT
At the same time, they will be hoping to avoid a hat-trick of consecutive semi-final disappointments by taking the penultimate step towards their first major title since Euro '96.
"We've been in at least the semi-finals of the last four World Cups and that just shows that we've been playing consistently at the very highest level," Low said in an interview with the German Football Association (DFB).
"This is a highlight now; it's something special and amazing. I'm looking forward to it so much, and everybody in the squad is too.
"I think all Germans are also, and one thing's for sure — we desperately want to play in the Maracana in Rio again. On July 13. We're not done yet."
Biggest test
One of the pre-tournament favourites, Germany have lived up to their billing and — apart from a few hairy moments against Algeria — have rarely looked in any danger.
Their biggest test is about to come, though.
"We all know how strong Brazil are," Low said. "They were the big favourites right from the start and the players have mostly coped with this role outstandingly.
"They underlined at the Confederations Cup last year that the expectation levels lift them further and the pressure doesn't numb them.
"What they've done is good for the whole tournament; it's good when the hosts go so far, but we're self-confident and we've gelled more as the tournament has progressed.
'A real fight tonight'
"We'll devise a good plan and give Brazil a real fight. The chances are even and it's going to come down to something really minor, who reaches the final."
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
