Meet the quarter-final opposition: Germany
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
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Our man in the camp Steffen Potter gives you the lowdown on Joachim Löw's world champions and explains why this might be the year Germany end their Italy hex.
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Nickname: Mannschaft
Story so far: A perceived weakness at the back dominated the pre-tournament talk about the FIFA World Cup holders but, four games in, they are the only team yet to concede. Following a convincing last-16 win against Slovakia, it seems things are falling into place at just the right time. Been there, done that.
Route to last eight: 2-0 Ukraine, 0-0 Poland, 1-0 Northern Ireland, 3-0 Slovakia
Star performer: Defences have excelled in France and Germany are no different. Centre-back Jérôme Boateng has been rock-solid, creative going forward and even scored his first Germany goal in 63 outings.
Best moment: That first goal for Boateng. Taken off early in the Northern Ireland game with a calf injury, he was a pre-match doubt against the Slovaks. Yet there was no sign of a problem when he rifled in from the edge of the box before running over to celebrate with the medical team.
Strengths: Joachim Löw's side are slick going forward and good in possession, they win the ball back quickly and they show great movement and interchanging – and of course they have still to ship a goal.
Weaknesses: Germany have been almost criminally profligate when it comes to converting chances, topping it off with a missed penalty against Slovakia. They could pay dearly in the latter stages of the competition.
Quarter-final prediction: The old nemesis, Italy. Germany have never beaten the Azzurri in a competitive fixture. They have never been in a better position though, and I believe they can finally put that one to bed. Then again, I said the same before the 2012 semi-final ...
What are they singing? Die Nummer eins der Welt sind wir (The number one in the world are we).
Celebrity fans: Boris Becker (ex-tennis player), Angela Merkel (Chancellor), Nico Rosberg (racing driver), Dirk Nowitzki (basketball player), Sabine Lisicki (tennis player)
Tell us something we didn't know: Many are aware that Jérôme Boateng's brother is Ghanaian international Kevin-Prince Boateng. But less well-known is the third Boateng brother, George. He almost followed the family trade before taking up rapping.