Confidence sky high in Germany camp

Lukas Podolski says he and his team-mates do not have any reason to fear any of Germany’s remaining rivals for the Euro 2012 crown.

Joachim Loew’s side beat Greece 4-2 in the first of the quarter-finals to set up a semi-final clash against Cesare Prandelli’s Italy, who overcame England on penalties.

With that victory, Germany set a record by winning 15 consecutive competitive matches, and Podolski says that his side is carrying an unbreakable momentum into every match.

“The confidence in the Germany team is very high after the way our tournament has gone so far,” he said.

“I watched almost all the other matches, and I know one thing. In this year’s tournament there is not one single team we have to be afraid of.

“Modern football is very fast and aggressive – exactly as it is played in Germany. It suits us. So if it’s a final with Spain, we’ll be happy and we’ll believe we can win,” he said.

“But let’s wait. First they, and we, have to win our semi-finals.”

The 27-year-old sat out the win against Greece after being replaced by young star Andre Schurrle, but is confident of regaining his place in Loew’s starting line-up.

“I’m not making a fuss and I’m not feeling down,” he said. “Nothing bad has happened, has it? The coach wanted to try out other players and they did well.

“The most important thing is what’s good for the team. We won and the rest doesn’t matter.

“Of course I want to play this time and maybe the coach was just saving my strength for the semi-final. Who knows?

“I just have to work hard in training and show I am ready. Whatever happens, I cannot wait for the battle in Warsaw. We will be up for it.”