Metzelder: Germany never found top gear

DEFENDER Christoph Metzelder does not feel Germany ever managed to find top gear during Euro 2008 and is hoping for an improved showing in the World Cup in two years’ time.

Although they reached a record sixth European Championship final, Germany lost to Croatia during the group stages, were hugely fortunate to get past Turkey in the semi-finals and were then beaten by Spain in Sunday’s final.

A runners-up spot is still something to be proud of, but Metzelder believes Germany were much more impressive at the 2006 World Cup, where they finished third, and during qualifying for Euro 2008.