Germany skipper Philip says current team is better than the Ballack's Class of 2006
Germany skipper Philip says current team is better than the Ballack's Class of 2006
Durban: Germany captain Philipp Lahm has claimed the current side is better than the one that almost reached the World Cup final four years ago.
The Germans open their campaign against Group D rivals Australia in Durban today, and Lahm is confident his team will not disappoint fans.
"We really want to start with a win," said the 26-year-old Lahm. "It will give the young team even more security.
"There is even more confidence in the team because we did so well in the warm-up games which was not the case back in 2006."
The Germans enjoyed a fine preparation with 3-0 wins over Malta and Hungary before claiming a 3-1 triumph over Bosnia-Herzegovina in Frankfurt prior to travelling to Pretoria.
Despite the absence of experienced skipper Michael Ballack through an ankle injury, Lahm has no doubt that this team has all the ingredients to succeed. "I think this is the best German team in which I have played," said Lahm, who has won 65 caps and scored four goals.
"Everyone is excited and ready to play. Today we have more players who will go on the attack during a 1-1 draw.
"We have more hands-on types, not so typically German."
Joachim Low's side has an average age of 24.96, Germany's lowest at a World Cup since 1934.
Lahm will become their youngest World Cup captain when he leads the team out against Australia today.
"We are a young and hungry team," said Lahm. "It's noticeable at every training session the team trains with great enthusiasm and tempo."
The Bayern Munich defender, who made his senior debut in February 2004, knows what kind of pressure to expect in the tournament.
He was in the teams that finished third in the World Cup in 2006 and runners-up at Euro 2008.
No fear
"I have no fear at this World Cup," he said.
"As a captain I have to be courageous but I also want to be nice off the pitch."
Lahm knows how crucial it is to get off to a good start and expects his side to get the job done against Australia.
"We can set the world alight but winning the first game is absolutely imperative," he said.
Key event
"Being part of a World Cup is a key event in anyone's life and we want to hit the ground running.
"I want every player to bring their best performance to every game and I want every player to enter this tournament with the best possible feeling."
Australia vs Germany: Key battles
Tim Cahill vs Bastian Schweinsteiger
Tim Cahill is vital to Socceroos. The Everton star will be at the heart of everything they create. Schweinsteiger has a task at his hands to contain the midfield maestro. Watch the two contain each other while waiting for their turns to attack.
Lucas Neill vs Miroslav Klose
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Klose's is the Golden Boot winner from the four years back and his aerial presence in the box will be a menace.
Expect it to get rough with the hard-tackling Neill manning the Australian back four.
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