Confident Lahm eyes Denmark win

Germany defender Philipp Lahm says he trusts his side’s chances of defeating Denmark in Sunday’s Euro 2012 clash.

Germany go into their final Group B game in control of their own destiny after defeating Portugal and Netherlands in their first two matches.

Lahm warned his team-mates against underestimating Denmark, but made it clear he expects Germany to emerge from the contest as winners.

Denmark stunned the Netherlands 1-0 in their first match to throw the group wide open, and were unlucky to go down 3-2 to Portugal after conceding a late goal.

“They defeated Netherlands, and against Portugal they had a draw in their pocket right until the end,” Lahm told Bild.

“Denmark are a difficult opponent, they are very well organised in defence. And in attack they have Nicklas Bendtner, who is a very dangerous striker with a lot of international experience.

“But I am convinced that we will win and become the first team to progress from the group stage with nine points.”

Germany’s bid to win the 2010 FIFA World Cup was cut short in the semi-finals following a 1-0 defeat to Spain, and Lahm believes his side have improved considerably since then.

“In comparison to the World Cup squad, we have become more mature, and we are now one of the co-favourites to win the European title,” the 28-year-old said.

“We have shown (why) with our victories against Portugal and Netherlands. But the matches were very close.

“That is right. We all think that we have even more potential.”

Meanwhile, Lahm’s future at Bayern Munich has been a hot topic of debate in recent days, with the full-back refusing to commit his future to the Bavarian giants earlier in the week amid speculation Real Madrid are interested in his services.

“In football, you should never say never,” he said.

“That is why I cannot promise that I will play at Bayern until I am 32 (his contract expires in 2016).

“But to calm everyone down: I am firmly convinced that I will play at Bayern next season. I am very comfortable in Munich.”