Germany are confident they can reach their first World Cup semi-final in 12 years but their quarter-final opponents United States seem to have nothing to lose.
"I think all the pressure's on Germany," a relaxed American coach Bruce Arena said of Friday's quarter-final match between the two, "They are supposed to win this game."
Germany, in the last eight for the 14th time in 15 finals, are indeed all the more favored.
But it has been a tournament of upsets and the Americans would love to inflict on their prestigious opponents their third quarter-final defeat in as many World Cups.
Germany coach Rudi Voeller was confident of his team. "It's looking good," said the former World Cup striker who was in the team the last time the Germans reached the last four, on their way to their third title in 1990.
"We have a great opportunity and the players can't wait for the game."
Voeller said improvement on the team's performance should come with the return of defender Carsten Ramelow and midfielders Dietmar Hamann and Christian Ziege from suspension.
The Americans, well-drilled and fit, will pose problems to the German defence with swift breakaways as they did in their stunning wins over Portugal and Mexico.
Germany have a potential match winner in Miroslav Klose, the tournament's joint top scorer with five goals, and are physically bigger than the Americans which could count for a lot at set pieces. They have also conceded just one goal so far.
But American coach Bruce Arena said his team was in "perfect rhythm" and ready to cause an upset. "We need to be aggressive, we need to be quick and aloof," he said.
Editor: Rebecca & Ronnie
Source: Xinhua
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