Germany striker Lukas Podolski knows that his side is expected to beat Australia in their opening World Cup match in Durban on Sunday (Monday morning AEST).
The Polish-born FC Cologne man says that Germany have to snuff out any hope the Australians have and anything less than a win will be unacceptable.
“Everybody in Germany expects us to beat Australia and they don’t want to hear any excuses,” Podolski said. “It would be unacceptable to them for us not to win. We know we are the favourites and we have to make sure we perform to our potential. If we do that we know we will win. Australia are going to be delighted if they even get a point. We have to be sure that doesn’t happen.”
But the 25-year old was also erring on the side of caution when dealing with Australia despite all the bravado in saying Germany has to win.
“They are tough players and they all did well together at the 2006 World Cup, so we have to take them seriously,” he added. “Defence is Australia’s strong point and they seem to be geared to that all the time. We don’t expect them to try and attack us unless it is when we lose the ball and they have an opportunity to try and surprise us. But we have every confidence in our ability not to get caught out.”
Tags: Australia, Germany, Lukas Podolski
