European Football Cup 2008’s Weblog

Joachim Löw believes it speaks volumes for the “continuity and good work” of German football that the Mannschaft are the only team to reach the semi-finals of UEFA EURO 2008™ having done likewise at the FIFA World Cup two years ago.

‘Very special’
Four European countries contested those last-four ties – Germany falling to eventual winners Italy and France defeating Portugal – yet only the ever-reliable Germans are still in contention here. Les Bleus failed even to progress from their group while the Azzurri lost their quarter-final to Spain and Portugal were beaten by Germany. Löw, a wily deputy to Jürgen Klinsmann in 2006, said: “For a coach, it is something very special to be in a semi-final with your team. You don’t experience this every day. We are the only side from the semi-finals in 2006 to have reached the semis here. That speaks for continuity and good work.”

Relaxed
Löw was in relaxed mood at Germany’s base camp in Tenero on Monday, overseeing “an intensive training session” featuring all 23 of his players as Torsten Frings looks to have overcome a rib injury. “Having everyone involved helps to increase the excitement ahead of the semi-final,” said the 48-year-old, before turning his attention to Wednesday’s opponents at St. Jakob-Park in Basel. “Every team that are in the semis have proved their class over a number of games. The Turkish are euphoric and consequently dangerous once they get going. That’s why we have to be careful. For me, they are much more unpredictable than the Portuguese. It’s 50-50.”

Fighting spirit
Turkey will be depleted by injury and suspension, so may have to rely on their famed fighting spirit if they are to reach a first final. “We’ve seen how long they keep pushing before winning games,” continued Löw. “Therefore we have to concentrate fully until the final whistle regardless of the score. They always come back when nobody expects it, but we’re aware of this and will take measures to prevent it. We want to do everything we can to reach the final and certainly won’t be careless in our preparations.”