Netzer still rates German chances

Germany legend Gunter Netzer said his country’s meagre warm-up to Euro 2012 has not dimmed his view of their tournament favouritism.

The Euro 2008 finalists were beaten 5-3 by Switzerland and defeated Israel 2-0 in their two warm-up friendlies for the tournament in Poland and Ukraine, and Netzer feels that these results have not changed Germany’s status as one of the teams to beat.

“The friendlies against Switzerland and Israel have not done anything to change Germany’s status as one of the favourites to win Euro 2012. They remain one of the teams to beat,” Netzer told Bild am Sonntag.

“The 5-3 loss against the Swiss obviously gave food for thought, but I don’t see any reasons to be worried. These friendlies are used to try new things.

“I still think that Germany have what it takes to reach the final, just like I said before the warm-up friendlies. However, one thing’s for sure and that’s that it will be a long and rocky road to the show-piece.”

Germany start Euro 2012 with their Group B match against Portugal on June 9, before taking on Netherlands four days later and Denmark on June 17.