Hummels: Germany screwed up against Italy

The Azzurri booked their spot in Sunday's final to take on Spain thanks to a double from Mario Balotelli, who benefitted from poor German defending to send one of the tournament favourites home empty-handed. 

 Despite picking up their performance and rallying late on through a Mesut Ozil penalty, Hummels believes the Mannschaft ultimately left themselves too much to do against quality opposition. 

We screwed up in the first half," the 23-year-old told reporters after the game. "Two-nil down against a team who are so tactically good is difficult. 

Hummels, who enjoyed a successful domestic season as his Borussia Dortmund side secured a league and cup double, felt his personal performance was not up to par for a match of such magnitude as he took responsibility for the opening goal. 

For the cross for the first goal I didn’t do well enough," he added. "That the cross even went in was my fault so I played a big part in the first goal."

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Germany face Italy in must win

The German revolution after Euro 2000 is approaching its apex. 

In retrospect, it seems an obvious and logical response to the disastrous performance of 12 years ago, particularly as, since reunification, they have won only one major international trophy, but Germany of all countries could have been excused for keeping the faith in their trademark efficiency. 

After all, only two years later, long before the revitalised coaching system began to bear fruit, they reached the World Cup final. 

 The changes have resulted in a thrilling new national side that announced itself through the ruthless exposure of England and Argentina’s shortcomings at the 2010 World Cup, and they continue to tear relentlessly through their opposition: they have scored in each of their last 20 games, netting 51 goals in total, and have won 15 competitive games in succession. 

It is a record even the West German side of the early 1970s could not match. 

 Standing in their way of reaching the final are Italy: a team potentially riven with injury problems that have just had to endure extra-time and a penalty shootout in a quarter-final played two days later than Germany’s.

 Reports suggest Daniele De Rossi, who has excelled at the tournament, is winning his battle for fitness, while Ignazio Abate and Giorgio Chiellini should also be available, but such concerns are far from ideal for a side already likely to be struggling with fatigue.

 Germany, conversely, have a wealth of options that allow them to rest players at will.

 Joachim Low changed his entire front three for the 4-2 victory over Greece, and any significant concern over Bastian Schweinsteiger’s fitness could be resolved by bringing in his Bayern Munich team-mate Toni Kroos. 

Mario Gotze, one of the three players in the squad that Rafael van der Vaart acknowledged as being of genuine class, has not yet managed to make it onto the field this summer. They are in prime position and they know it. 

I believe we are the team you have to beat if you want to win this tournament,” Low said after easing through their quarter-final. 

 Yet while the recent evidence makes Low’s men clear favourites, history favours the Azzurri: Italy have never lost to Germany in a competitive game, and have claimed two wins and a draw against them in their friendly matches in the last decade. 

The last competitive meeting was Italy’s 2-0 win in the semi-finals of the 2006 World Cup.

 “It's the time to break that series,” forward Lukas Podolski told Bild in the build-up to the game. 

Since 2006 we have improved enormously. Today we have a whole different philosophy and a different team. 

The Italians also know that. One thing is clear – we want to be in the final, so we have to beat the Italians. 

To do so they will have to break another series: under Cesare Prandelli, Italy have not yet lost a competitive game. 

 Germany player to watch: Philipp Lahm. 

 A highly capable defender, the captain provided a reminder against Greece that he also poses a goal threat and his raids from left back will be of particular concern for Italy, who are without Christian Maggio through suspension and have doubts over the fitness of Ignazio Abate. 

If Cesare Prandelli continues to ask his full backs to provide the width to his team, Lahm could thrive.

 Italy player to watch: Riccardo Montolivo. Montolivo, who agreed a move to AC Milan this summer, came into the side for the quarter-final against England in place of Thiago Motta and excelled in the first half. 

That he missed a glorious chance from close range and then fired his penalty wide in the shootout may have led some to appraise his performance unkindly but, with so much of the pre-match focus on Andrea Pirlo, he may be able to cause real problems if the Germans leave him space in front of the defence. 

 Key battle: Bastian Schweinsteiger v Andrea Pirlo. 

 Schweinsteiger was far from his best in the 4-2 victory over Greece and has recently suffered from injury problems, but he has declared himself fit to face Italy and, given his undoubted quality and ability to lead, it would be a significant surprise if he were not in the starting line-up. 

He will come up against Pirlo, who has a phenomenal capacity for controlling the game. 

Ahead of the tournament, Spain legend Luis Suarez had suggested he was a finer player than Xavi, and his magisterial showing against England, capped with a Panenka penalty in the shootout, has only enhanced his reputation. 

If Germany can disrupt him, they should win the game; if Pirlo takes control, Italy’s unblemished record could endure. 

 Stats: Italy have scored only four goals at Euro 2012 – the least of any semi-finalist since the tournament was expanded to include a quarter-final stage at Euro 96. 

 Trivia: Riccardo Montolivo’s mother is from Hamburg and has the German flag stitched into his boots. "Part of me is German,” he said, “but I feel Italian.”

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Ozil: we will beat Italy and win Euro 2012

Mesut Ozil, who has been an integral part of the German team at Euro 2012 with three assists, is confident that Joachim Low's side will be able to overcome Italy in the semi-finals en route to the trophy. 

 The playmaker also singled out two players from the opposing camp as a potential threat, but praised the Azzurri for being a compact team". "The past does not matter. 

The other teams have great respect for us.

 Our goal is to bring the European title back to Germany, he told reporters. "We are here for this.

 We can beat Italy and we want the title," he continued. “Andrea Pirlo is a world-class player, Mario Balotelli is a great striker. 

But we do not think of the individual adversaries. Italy are a very compact team, but we can beat them," the 23-year-old playmaker added. Germany will face Italy on June 28 in Warsaw.

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Germany rout sorry Greece

Germany eased ominously into the semi-finals of Euro 2012 - where they will meet either England or Italy - as Greece's resistance finally crumbled.

 Having set out to frustrate from the off, once they fell behind to Philipp Lahm's goal just before half-time the 2004 champions were always up against it.

 Having equalised somewhat unexpectedly through Celtic forward Giorgios Samaras they could not hold on for very long, and goals from Sami Khedira, Miroslav Klose and Marco Reus merely reflected the dominance of the three-time winners of this tournament before Dimitris Salpingidis' late penalty.

 On the four previous occasions Germany have won a last-eight encounter they have reached the final, and this performance increased the likelihood of them making it five.

 For a long time in the first half it appeared they might regret a number of missed chances, but once Lahm broke the deadlock there was only going to be one winner.

 Greece, who have now have never beaten their opponents in nine competitive matches, scrambled, scampered and blocked their way towards half-time only for the Germany captain to fire home a swerving effort from outside the penalty area six minutes before the break.

 It allowed coach Joachim Low to breathe a little easier after making four changes from the side which beat Denmark, the most notable being handing Klose his 120th cap at the expense of three-goal Mario Gomez.

 After the Lazio striker had an early effort ruled out for offside, when Michalis Sifakis had fumbled Khedira's shot, Germany laid siege to Greece's goal.

 Excellent movement and passing had the Greeks manning a determined rearguard effort, but even when that was breached Mesut Ozil shot weakly at Sifakis after being set up by the impressive Reus, who had already sliced one shot wide.

 Klose failed to get on the end of Reus' cross-shot and Khedira had Sifakis scrambling with another shot before Lahm made the 39th-minute breakthrough, the left-back cutting in from an advanced position to smash in a swerving shot.

 The advantage should have been much greater, however, and Germany were made to pay 10 minutes after the break when out of nowhere Greece equalised.

 Substitute Theofanis Gekas released Salpingidis on a quick break down the right, and when he slid over a teasing cross Samaras poked home at the far post.

 They were level for only six minutes, though, as Khedira, Germany's supposed defensive linchpin in midfield, timed his run from deep perfectly to volley home from Jerome Boateng's assist.

 Klose ensured the Greeks could not produce another 2004 upset when he powered home a header from Ozil's free-kick as Sifakis came but got nowhere near the cross, and Reus lashed in a volley off the underside of the crossbar after Klose's shot rebounded off the goalkeeper.

 Salpingidis converted a late penalty, generously awarded for Boateng's handball, but it was little consolation

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Germany v Greece : Semis at stake

Germany have shown they have the patience required to break down defensive-minded Greece in their Euro 2012 quarter-final on Friday.

 But coach Joachim Loew may need to consider some changes on the flanks to get the win against a stubborn Greek side.

 Germany have been criticised for abandoning the attacking football that impressed fans at the 2010 World Cup but Loew hit back in the lead-up to Friday's quarter-final by blaming the opposition.

 Loew claimed the teams they have played have not allowed Germany the space to attack at Euro 2012 and argued three wins and five goals in Group B was an impressive result. "Look at these opponents, even the Dutch retreated against us," Loew said.

 "You can't always play as vertically as you want, it can be a consequence of the opponent playing deep.

 Germany's patience has been crucial in their victories over Portugal, the Netherlands and Denmark but while Loew would be wary of tinkering with a winning side, he may need to play some different wingers to get past Greece.

 Greece progressed from Group A by playing their typical defensive style, which earned them a European title in 2004.

 Loew has selected Lukas Podolski and Thomas Mueller as the wide players in his 4-2-3-1 formation so far at Euro 2012. 

 But Podolski and Mueller are more suited to the fast, counter-attacking style Germany showed in South Africa two years ago and Loew may need to bring in one of either Mario Goetze, Toni Kroos or Marco Reus to provide some more creativity.

 Mesut Oezil, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Lars Bender, who all started in Germany's 2-1 win over Denmark, are expected to be fit for the quarter-final despite missing training on Tuesday.

 Greece will be without captain Giorgos Karagounis who is suspended and scored the winner against Russia in their final group match.

 Coach Fernando Santos will likely send his team out to frustrate the Germans and hope to score from a corner or free-kick.

 Defenders Vasilis Torosidis and Kyriakos Papadopoulos could therefore be crucial for Greece as goal-scoring options. Torosidis has scored six goals for his country in 47 matches, while Papadopoulos has hit the back of the net three times in 11 appearances.

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Germany top, Danes knocked out

Denmark were knocked out of Euro 2012 as they fell to a 2-1 defeat to Germany.

 Needing a win over the group favourites to progress, as Portugal beat Netherlands, the Danes went behind to a Lukas Podolski strike early on but equalised through Michael Krohn-Dehli's header.

 However, defender Lars Bender popped up with ten minutes to go to end their hopes of qualification and left the Germans top of the group.

 The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder, playing as full-back for the national team, struck as Denmark were pushing for a goal which would have taken them through to the last eight at their opponents' expense, and just after Morten Olsen's side had seen a strong penalty appeal turned down.

 Lukas Podolski put Germany in front in the 19th minute, but a goal from Michael Krohn-Dehli five minutes later lifted Denmark's spirits.

 Germany controlled much of the game, but were nevertheless made to sweat as Denmark's belief and Portugal's 2-1 win over Holland ensured a tense finale which ended in their favour, clinching them top spot in Group B with a perfect record and a clash with Greece in Gdansk on Friday. Germany coach Joachim Low made his first change of the tournament, replacing the suspended Jerome Boateng with Lars Bender, but he resisted the temptation to make further alterations to his winning side.

 Niki Zimling was passed fit to play by Denmark coach Morten Olsen, while the injured Dennis Rommedahl's place was taken by Jakob Poulsen. Low's side began with authority and the diligent Muller went close twice early on, but Stephan Andersen showed lightning reactions to deny his second attempt in the sixth minute.

 Germany remained camped in the Denmark half, playing a patient yet expressive game which led to Podolski marking his 100th Germany appearance with a goal in the 19th minute. Muller provided a low cross from the right-hand side of the penalty area which Mario Gomez flicked intelligently back to Podolski, who left nothing to chance with a powerful shot from seven yards out.

 Germany's lead lasted only five minutes, though, before Krohn-Dehli's second goal of the tournament brought the Danes level. He diverted Nicklas Bendtner's header past Manuel Neuer from six yards out from a well-worked corner after a positive reaction from the Danes to falling behind.

 Towards the end of the first half, Podolski blazed a free-kick over the bar from the edge of the penalty area and Sami Khedira prodded a shot wide from 10 yards out as Denmark were again forced to defend. Jakob Poulsen went within inches of putting Denmark in front five minutes into the second half when his shot grazed the outside of the left-hand post with Neuer beaten.

 Low sent Schurrle on for Podolski midway through the second half and his first touch of the game brought an excellent one-handed save out of Andersen. Neuer showed less sophistication in dealing with Zimling's distance effort in the 71st minute, conceding a corner as Denmark enjoyed another bright spell. Five minutes later, Bendtner got in around the back and tried at full stretch to lift the ball over Neuer, but without success as he had his shirt pulled by Holger Badstuber.

 One goal for Denmark was still required to send them through and send Germany home since Portugal had taken the lead against Holland, but just as Low's side were showing the first signs of tension, they regained the lead from an unlikely outlet. 

Mesut Ozil's throughball was intended for Miroslav Klose, but it was too far in front of the Lazio striker but inviting for full-back Bender, who coolly took his first international goal in the 80th minute to take Germany through and knock Denmark out of Euro 2012.

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Berthold: Loew should rest stars against Denmark

Former Germany defender Thomas Berthold said Joachim Loew should rest players for his side's final Euro 2012 group game with Denmark.

 The Germans need just a draw to progress to the quarter-finals, having won their two previous games against Portugal and the Netherlands.

 And the former VfB Stuttgart defender 47 said, the likes of Andre Schurrle and Marco Reus are ready to step in for first-teamers Lukas Podolski and Thomas Mueller in the game against the Danes.

 Berthold also said he feels the same way about Mesut Oezil, who has been replaced by Toni Kroos in both of Germany's first two games.

 "Mesut Ozil looks a bit tired after his long season with Real Madrid," Berthold said. "He could also be played for one half-time only (against Denmark), or brought in later on as a substitute.

" Berthold also dismissed the possibility of Loew adopting a three-man defence during the tournament, an idea recently raised in the German media.

 "I do not think much of that idea at all! If one has three world-class players at the back, like Spain, who can also play with an individual marking, then fine," he said. 

 "But in our team we have no such players, no Sergio Ramos. Therefore, stay away."

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Gomez resigned to playing Spain

Mario Gomez said he believes Germany will have to go through Spain if they are to realise their dream of winning Euro 2012.

 Germany have made a strong start to the tournament, winning their opening two games, but after watching Vicente del Bosque's men rout Republic of Ireland on Thursday, the Bayern Munich forward acknowledged that the defending champions remain the team to beat in Poland and Ukraine.

 "We have won two games but we have not reached anything," Gomez told reporters at a press conference on Friday.

 "And we have been following the other games very closely. For example, Spain yesterday (against Ireland). Our aim must be to defeat them.

" Fernando Torres netted twice in the 4-0 rout of the Irish and Gomez - who was heavily criticised for his wasteful display against Chelsea in the Champions League final - is pleased that his fellow forward has rediscovered his goalscoring touch. "Torres had the same problems as me," the 26-year-old Gomez said.

 "So I was very happy that he scored twice after a very hard season with Chelsea.

" Gomez has scored all of his country's tournament goals to date, netting the only goal of the game against Portugal before striking twice in the 2-1 win over Netherlands.

 The former Stuttgart front man is now the clear favourite to top the goalscoring charts for the tournament, but he insisted that he is not thinking about individual accolades.

 "Being top scorer is not important for me. What's important is that we win the cup," he said.

 Gomez will be hoping to continue his impressive run in Sunday's final Group B fixture against Denmark.

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Mueller wary of van Persie threat

Germany attacker Thomas Mueller has warned his team of the threat posed by Netherlands striker Robin van Persie. The Arsenal attacker missed several chances in Netherlands' 1-0 loss to Denmark in their opening Euro 2012 outing, but Mueller feels the Dutchman can cause his side all sorts of problems.

 "Netherlands have a good all-round team with top players in each position," Mueller told De Telegraaf. "We will work hard to limit their action. "Van Persie, for example, had a great season at Arsenal. Controlling him will be a difficult task.

" Netherlands' preparations for Wednesday's match have been disrupted by reports of a dressing room revolt led by vice-captain Rafael van der Vaart, but Mueller is refusing to take anything for granted going into the match. "Netherlands and Spain are strong teams and have done well in recent years," he said. "For me, they were one of the favourites to win the tournament.

 "They had a bad start, but they remain a dangerous team." Germany share top place in Group B with Denmark after defeating Portugal 1-0 in their opening match.

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VdV questions Germany quality ahead clash

Netherlands may be on the back foot following their defeat to Denmark, but Rafael van der Vaart has come out firing by claiming Germany have only three players of real class.

 There is little love lost between the two nations and Germany have the incentive of knowing victory over the Dutch on Wednesday will eliminate the Oranje from the competition.

 Netherlands are still picking up the pieces from their loss to Denmark, but Tottenham star Van der Vaart is confident of bouncing back in Kharkiv against a side he feels are lacking in class.

 "I can count only three outstanding players in the Germany squad: (Mesut) Ozil, (Mario) Gotze and (Bastian) Schweinsteiger," he told NUsport. "Their defence is okay, but that's all. “I think we have more quality.

 But football is also about confidence, and that's what they will have now.

” Van der Vaart has been a fringe player for Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk and despite the loss to Denmark, he does not expect that to change. "The chances are small that things will change,” he said.

 “The coach has always had his team in his head, his preferences. It has been the same for some time, which is good if you are in the team but not so much if you are on the bench. "I must say that it is increasingly difficult for me.

 One day I feel better than others, but I am very disappointed about my situation."

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Lahm set for Robben duel

Phillip Lahm is looking forward to facing Bayern Munich team-mate Arjen Robben in Germany's Euro 2012 clash against the Netherlands.

 Fullback Lahm will lock horns with Dutch winger Robben in the Group B fixture, which has been billed as a must-win for Bert van Marwijk's side following their surprise 1-0 defeat to Denmark. "I am looking forward to the duel," Lahm told Sportbild.

 "As a player you always want to play the best and Arjen is one of the best around.

 "He has the ability to beat anyone down both flanks with his speed and dribbling even when he's known to cut inside.

 "The Dutch cannot lose against us and in this game we will not be friends. Arjen will be especially motivated against us.

" Netherlands midfielder and former Bayern man Mark van Bommel has fuelled the rivalry between the countries by suggesting Bastian Schweinsteiger would have been a better choice to captain the German club ahead of Lahm.

 However, the 28-year-old remained diplomatic over the matter, hinting the Dutchman is simply engaging in mind games.

 "That is his opinion which he has a right to voice," Lahm said. "Sometimes I find the timing of what people say very interesting, other than that I can only smile."

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Loew wary of ´quality´ opposition

Germany coach Joachim Loew says failure is not an option for his side at Euro 2012 as they search for their first European title since 1996.

The 52-year-old also warned his team not to underestimate rivals the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain at the tournament, which begins on June 8.

Loew believes his team have improved, but said the top sides would be hard to separate in Poland and Ukraine.

"I had a lot of time to think of all the possible scenarios back in January, February. However, at this point, I have only one thing on my mind and that's Portugal," Loew told Kicker.

"I am not even thinking about the possibility of failure. The team has made a lot of progress. That does not guarantee that we will win the title, though. Details will be decisive this summer.

"We don't underestimate anyone. The other teams have a lot of quality, too.

"People should not think that Netherlands are inferior with players such as Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben.

"Portugal have Real Madrid stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe, while Spain have world class stars like Xavi and Andres Iniesta. It would be silly to think they have less quality than Germany."

Germany have been drawn in Group B at Euro 2012, alongside the Netherlands, Portugal and Denmark.

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