The DFB eleven lock horns with Portugal in their first clash of the Group of Death
The 33-year old who now plies his trade in the Major league soccer was an integral part of Joachim Low’s side that reached the final of the European Championships in 2008 and the semis of the World Cup 2010 in South Africa.
The Germans suffered a few shock defeats recently at the hands of Switzerland and France, which raised concerns regarding their preparations for the tournament. However Friedrich believes a few hiccups will not transform a world
class team into a mediocre one overnight and the former Wolfsburg man is confident that his side has what it takes to top the Group of death, and reach the latter stages of the tournament.
Friedrich claimed that Die Mannschaft have a brilliant team and have a very good chance of going all the way this time around.
However, the Chicago Fire defender warned his compatriots against complacency. He also stressed on the importance of winning the Euro 2012 opener against Portugal, a fixture he believes will shape Germany’s title run. Friedrich
is also confident that with a little bit of help from fate, if Die Mannschaft perform like they have in all previous tournaments they will defeat Portugal.
The former VfL Wolfsburg player believes that it will not be a walk in the park for his side when they take on Portugal. He added that the opposition has developed into a very competitive team over the past few years and it will
be difficult to beat them.
A Selecao on the other hand are no pushovers. Led by their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo they will give the Germans a run for their money. The Portuguese side will relish the dark horses tag as it will take the pressure off them,
whereas Joachim Low’s men might feel the heat of being tipped as the favourites to clinch the European Champions title.
Whatever may be the outcome of the game it sure will attract millions of viewers worldwide and will be an entertaining fixture for all the neutrals involved, as both sides are blessed with bundles of attacking talent.
Tags: