Boateng backs Germany's advance

There is nothing like a plan coming together and for Horst Hrubesch its success can be measured in Germany's goals against column. The coach has plotted his side's UEFA European Under-21 Championship campaign on the strength of their defence, and as he looked ahead to Friday's semi-final against Italy, it has given him reason to believe Germany's Swedish adventure will not be ending in Helsingborg.

Key to success
"The defence is one of our keys to success," he said. "They have prevented the opposition getting many scoring chances and have only conceded one goal. That was what we focused on in our preparations for the tournament. That was our main goal, to keep the defence tight." In a team without a recognised striker and struggling for fluency, Germany's defenders have stood out – and none more so than Hamburger SV centre-back Jerome Boateng.

Defensive strength
The 20-year-old has not just been an inspiration in the middle alongside Benedikt Höwedes; the pair have also been notable weapons in Germany's offensive armoury. Höwedes scored against Finland while Boateng supplied the pass for Gonzalo Castro's strike against England – a significant contribution in a side that has scored only three goals. At the back they have been even more impressive. Germany shipped the fewest goals of any team in qualifying, four, and are the most miserly side here with just one conceded in three matches.

Threat
If Italy's attacking triumvirate of Mario Balotelli, Robert Acquafresca and Sebastian Giovinco arguably pose the biggest threat to them yet, Boateng is unfazed. "We know all about them after beating them [1-0] in a friendly in November," he said. "They have great quality in attack, but we know they have weaknesses." Described as a "giant at the back" and "a natural leader" by former German international Christian Ziege, Boateng has also won high praise from Hrubesch, whose mentoring has seen the 1.90m defender grow in stature in Sweden. "I was very proud to hear [Hrubesch's compliments]," Boateng said. "It gives me a lot of confidence to know the coach trusts me. We talk a lot together and that is very important for a young player."

Cornerstone
Crucially, Hrubesch has found a settled role for Boateng who was used in variety of positions for HSV last term – he featured at right-back and as a holding midfielder more often than in his preferred centre-half role. No longer plugging gaps, Boateng is intent on making the most of this opportunity. "To reach the semi-final is a big thing for us," he said. "Now we've got through the group stage the pressure is off and we'll be able to play at our highest level. We are convinced we can get to the final."