Defence the key for Germany

Four key players 
Following the defeat in Kaiserslautern, Völler decided to sit down with first-choice goalkeeper Oliver Kahn, central defenders Jens Nowotny and Christian Wörns and holding midfield player Dietmar Hamann to stress the need for defensive solidity in his team's first Group D match against the Netherlands.

Team responsibility
"Strikers are the first line of defence and the whole side is responsible for keeping the opposition away from our goal," Völler explained. "However, it is sometimes better to talk to a small group of players because you get more answers and can make the necessary changes.

Lessons learnt
"I am very optimistic after talking to the players," he continued. "None of them tried to blame anybody else. I am absolutely sure that we won't make the same mistakes against the Netherlands."

Tactical change
After the Hungary game, speculation has mounted that Völler might switch to a back three against the Dutch instead of his more familiar four-man defence, but the coach insisted this would not be the case. "Just because we lacked concentration against Hungary, it doesn't mean I will change the system against the Netherlands," he said.

'Individual errors'
Defender Nowotny also believes the Germans can learn from Sunday's setback. "We made a few individual mistakes against Hungary and we were punished," said the Bayer 04 Leverkusen man. "But it is nothing serious and nothing that can't be changed."

Valuable experience
"I have played at sweeper, in central defence, in a back three, a back four and even a back two and to be honest I don't really mind," the 30-year-old continued, when asked about the possibility of a tactical reshuffle. "No matter what system we play, I am optimistic I will be in the starting lineup."

Kahn confidence
Kahn was in similarly bullish mood, saying of the Hungary match: "It was a friendly and you shouldn't read too much into it. There are light years between a competitive match and a friendly."