We’re up there with Spain & Brazil: Joachim Loew

German coach Joachim Loew says the African nations will be the ones to watch out for in this World Cup

How do you rate your team’s chances?
The team has definitely matured over the last six years. We have widened our tactical scope and improved the technical aspect of the game. I feel very positive looking ahead to the tournament. I see us as one of the contending teams with Spain and Brazil being the obvious favourites to win the World Cup.

Germany face Australia, Serbia and Ghana during the group stage. How do you evaluate your three opponents?
The draw could have turned out much worse. However, calling this lucky is a severe misconception. We compete in an interesting group that we should not underestimate. Serbia edged out France while Ghana finished in second place at the African Cup of Nations. They are also the U20 World Champions. Australia, meanwhile, is a team with great spacing on the field, so we’ll have our work cut out in the opening game.

Could you name a player of each opponent who impresses you?
All three teams have excellent players. Michael Essien, a teammate of our skipper Michael Ballack at Chelsea, is a key-player for Ghana. Among the Serbs, Nemanja Vidic from Manchester United is outstanding. German football fans, of course, also know Marco Pantelic, Gojko Kacar and Zdravko Kuzmanovic from the Bundesliga. Harry Kewell from Australia is an experienced pro, who had played in Premier League for many years.

Will Ghana draw added strength and energy from the fact that this is the first WC in Africa?
I think that Ghana, Algeria and Ivory Coast are the strongest teams in Africa. We witnessed a huge leap made by African teams in the last 15 years, physically and tactically. Many African players have signed with major European clubs where they picked up so much, regarding team discipline for instance, or team tactics - this knowledge is then relayed back to their national teams. The fact that the World Cup takes place in Africa for the first time serves as added motivation for all African teams.

How did you prepare?
Urs Siegenthaler heads our scouting team. He attended numerous games at the African Cup of Nations in January. Obviously, we gave special attention to Ghana as one of our group opponents. Having said that, we also keep a close eye on all participating teams to make sure that we are prepared for any adversary. It’s a top-priority to be up-to-date on all possible opponents. This concerns not only aspects of their game but also additional information regarding their team and coaching staff.

Do you feel the excitement?
There’s always a tingle or special atmosphere ahead of big tournaments. This promises to be a very interesting World Cup, on and off the field. I can’t wait for it to be June.

What exactly has changed in your daily routine?
A lot since I had assisted Juergen Klinsmann at the time of the run-up for the 2006 World Cup. Before I took office as Klinsmann’s successor in 2006, it was my job to do preliminary work and submit proposals, to report to him on how I evaluate things. The final decision, however, was then made by him. Now the buck stops with me. That’s a change, no doubt.

Will the upcoming World Cup be the highlight of your career? After all, it is your first World Cup as head coach?
True but then I had been in charge for the 2008 European Championship, so I don’t foresee dramatic changes. Of course my focus is fully on the World Cup. You write nothing less than football history, if you win the Cup. During the tournament you are so focused and zoomed in on the day-to-day that you really do not feel external pressure at all.

Right before the 2006 World Cup, there was very little confidence among German fans. Today, most experts rank Germany as equal contender. How did it change?
In the run up to the 2006 World Cup we had considerable problems to find quality talents. Young players such as Philipp Lahm, Lukas Podolski, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Per Mertesacker then performed admirably during the tournament, which triggered a change of heart in Bundesliga clubs. It was a great effect. Moreover, we then upgraded the DFB’s entire talent facilitation and promotion, and I think that winning three European championships with junior’s teams, the U 21, U 19 and U 17, certainly validates these efforts. But that’s not to take away anything from our veterans, such as Michael Ballack or Miroslav Klose, who continued to grow.

Is Leverkusen’s Rene Adler your No.1 ‘keeper?
We have always said that our goalkeeper against Argentina is a step ahead of the rest. Adler proved to us in two important qualifying matches against Russia that he can handle the pressure in important international matches.

Germany have had goalkeepers like Sepp Maier, Toni Schumacher, Oliver Kahn and Jens Lehmann. What’s the reason for such a string of excellence?
The question implies the answer. Outstanding ‘keepers served as role models for kids growing up, striving to become just as good as their heroes. Children wanted to play the position, while in other countries, such as Brazil, the biggest talents strive to be a forward, to score and not prevent goals.

Any concerns about safety?
But that’s always a concern, with any tournament. We need to make sure that our players, families and staff travelling can return home safely. I feel very certain that FIFA and the organising committee will provide safety by all means necessary.

Why did you opt for a headquarter near Johannesburg?
The altitude has been the decisive factor. It’s no coincidence that most World Cup teams have picked a hotel near Johanessburg/Pretoria. The Velmore Grand offers us all the comfort and practice possibilities we need, so we’re satisfied with the choice we made.

How do you see the role of Bafana Bafana?
Playing in front of your own fans can be such a boost, something we felt in 2006. For the overall atmosphere at the Cup, it’s vital that the home team is not eliminated early.

Is the wintry season an advantage for your team?
All teams have to play under the same conditions. I cannot make out any advantage.

Does it still hold true that Germany’s strength is improving throughout a tournament?
We know how to get ready for an international tournament. We also know that our players have the mentality. But that’s not a guarantee that we’ll succeed in South Africa. Success is the result of hard work, and there’s no replay button for hard work.
DFB