That he isn’t required much just shows that his team is doing well, says the German ’keeper
That he isn’t required much just shows that his team is doing well, says the German ’keeper
BERLIN: Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann admits he has been a virtual spectator at the group stage but does not want to get caught cold in the last 16 match against Sweden in Munich on Saturday. Hosts Germany won all three games to easily top Group A and Lehmann has had an easy task in keeping consecutive clean sheets against Poland and Ecuador, having let in two in the opening 4-2 win over Costa Rica. “The fact that I am not making spectacular saves all the time shows the team is doing well,” Lehmann said on Thursday. “I hope it continues that way.”
However, the 36-year-old admits Sweden have more firepower to trouble Germany with Barcelona striker Henrik Larsson and dynamic midfielder Freddie Ljungberg — his club team-mate with English side Arsenal. “We are under pressure against Sweden and have to be wary because all of a sudden we could be surprised by a good opponent,” Lehmann declared. “That is the danger.”
Ljungberg is certainly one of Sweden’s key players and has said he wants to get one over on Lehmann by firing a goal past him. “I do not have a bet with Freddie,” said Lehmann, who despite winning his first cap back in 1998 has only now prior to the finals displaced Oliver Kahn as number one choice. “I know he wants to score against me but I will do everything to stop that. He is a top player but our coaching team know a lot about him. I don’t think they need to ask me about him because I think they know more.”
The former Schalke 04 and Borussia Dortmund star watched Sweden come from behind to draw 2-2 with England on Tuesday and hopes they have run out of steam after three demanding games. “We watched how Sweden played against England. They play at a really high tempo for the entire match but we hope they can not do that after three games,” Lehmann said. Sweden scored their two goals against England from set-pieces — one from a corner and the other via a throw-in — and Lehmann is expecting a barrage of difficult crosses.
“Sweden were dangerous with their set-pieces as the ball was delivered with pace and precison,” Lehmann confessed. “But if we prepare well then we will be fine.” After surging through the group phase Germany are on a high and a calm Lehmann reflected the growing optimism in the camp.
“I think the respect for us has grown because other teams have seen how well we have played,” he added. “I am always optimistic. Why would I be pessimistic? It is difficult to beat us that is why I am so optimistic.”
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