The German Mentality Should Overcome France in the Semi-Finals

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: July 7, 2016

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Three years ago, I interviewed Michael Ballack, owner of 98 caps for Germany and one of his country’s greatest-ever players, and I asked him why they always perform so well at major tournaments. 

His face broke into a wide smile, and though his words might sound arrogant, they were delivered in a measured and matter-of-fact tone because they are impossible to argue with.

“As German players, we have something special inside us because of our football history, he said. "We know we have to win. It is what is expected, so we have a good focus, and we have good discipline both on and off the pitch.

“It really is just our mentality. We know our strengths, and we also know we are not the greatest team with the greatest players in the world. Other teams might be better to watch, but we are always focused on winning.” 

Since I spoke with Ballack, Germany have won the World Cup for a fourth time, and on Thursday night, they will face hosts France in Marseille in an attempt to reach their seventh European Championship final.

Over the course of Euro 2016, Germany have borne out Ballack’s words; they have not been spectacular—or even pretty to watch—but driven by this “something special” and their winning mentality, they have been relentless in their pursuit of another international trophy.



So far, this tournament has been about the flair of the French and the exciting emergence of Antoine Griezmann and Dimitri Payet, the unexpected resilience of the Italians, those wonderful Iceland and Wales fairytales and Portugal reaching their second European Championship final.

No one has really noticed Germany at this tournament, but once again, here they are just a game away from the final.

This is possibly because Germany’s success has been built on their defence rather than anything particularly impressiv...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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