Moscow -
The German coach, Joachim Löw, indicated on Saturday that his team is ready for the challenge of winning a second consecutive World Cup, but ruled out the possibility of the "Mannschaft" astonishing the world with another 7-1 like the one Brazil received in the semifinals of 2014.
"Winning two consecutive World Cups is extremely difficult, it has been 70 or 80 years since anyone has achieved it," Löw said in a press conference at the Luzhniki stadium, where Germany will make their debut tomorrow against Mexico in the World Cup in Russia.
"We have the ambition and the desire, the same as four years ago. And we feel that the tension is increasing. There is a lot of tension, but it is positive tension. Everyone is eager for this to start, to go out and show that we can do well," he added.
Germany's coach since 2006, Löw will experience his third World Cup leading the national team and asked his players to give their all in Russia.
"There is nothing better for a footballer than playing in a World Cup. That's why there's so much tension. But we must not lose focus and think about what will happen in two or three weeks, we have to think about Mexico."
And what does the Mexican coach think? "They are a very difficult opponent, with players of great quality throughout the field. In addition, they have very good forwards in one-on-one situations, with a lot of imbalance. I hope our defense can control them well."
Löw, who indicated that he still has "two or three issues to resolve" regarding his lineup for tomorrow, said that it would not be realistic to think about a 7-1. Germany won with that historic result against Brazil in the semifinals of 2014.
"I don't see that dream at the moment, we have to be realistic: to win 7-1 again in a semifinal against Brazil or any other team is very unlikely. It was a fantastic game, but it is very unlikely to be repeated. The important thing is to be there, in the semifinals."
"I have read, I have heard, I have been told that if we are better than in 2014. We are all better than in 2014. Each team changes and all teams are stronger four years later. We have more alternatives, Brazil has improved a lot, France has advanced a lot, Spain too. Everyone is better than in 2014."
Löw reiterated on several occasions the importance of beating Mexico. "We focus a lot on the first match of the World Cup because it is related to the players' confidence. I hope we can achieve it. Generally, we do well in a tournament when we start with a victory." (D)