Spain are still the best, says star Schweini
GERMANY vs SPAIN
Tonight, BBC1, ko 7.30pm
BASTIAN SCHWEINSTEIGER has played down his side’s chances of clinching a World Cup final place, insisting Spain are favourites for tonight’s last-four clash in Cape Town.
The young German side have arguably been the most impressive team in the competition so far, while the Spanish have endured a more subdued run to the semi-final.
But Schweinsteiger is still daunted by his side’s Euro 2008 final defeat two years ago and admits Vicente del Bosque’s side are the “best team in the world”. “Losing a final always causes frustration and disappointment but Spain were definitely the better team,” said the Bayern Munich midfielder.
“On paper Spain are still the better team but I think we have shown in our last two games that we can beat teams that appear the better ones on paper. For me, Spain are the best team in the world.
“It will be tough just like it was against England and Argentina but I’ve a lot of faith in this team because we’ve seen what we can do if we all pull together.”
Younger players such as Mesut Ozil, Thomas Mueller and Sami Khedira have been revelations in this World Cup and Schweinsteiger believes their form has lit the touchpaper for the German success.
“Now we have fresh faces and different characters – an unencumbered state of mind,” he added.