All for one and one for all, says Ozil

Roy Keane would — probably — approve.

In terms of tournament bases, it’s difficult to imagine one as plush and pristine as the Germany camp just outside Gdansk. Whereas the very acceptable Irish set-up, for example, had homemade rolls, the DFB treat guests to a free McCafe. And, only adding to the moneyed feel of the place, a Mercedes car sits beside the press conference podium.

Despite such ostentation, though, you could never accuse the men that the base has actually been built for the same thing.

There’s a refreshing clarity of thought about this young German team. Sure, there’s a very definite confidence about them too. But that seems born out of a rare sense of realism as opposed to the egotism and arrogance associated with previous German sides.

None illustrate this new attitude better than the man put up for media duties yesterday, Mesut Ozil. Indeed, none illustrate the new on-pitch qualities of the team better than Ozil either.

Although the Real Madrid playmaker hasn’t quite received the level of praise reserved for Andrea Pirlo and Cristiano Ronaldo in this tournament, he stepped up to the quarter-final stage in a similar way.

The varying degrees of attention, though, aren’t the only difference between Ozil and the Mediterranean duo. Whereas both Ronaldo and Pirlo absolutely dominate all of their teams’ attacking play, the German number-eight drives his team in a more understated, integrated manner. Indeed, that sense of every individual only adding up to the greater good of the collective is deepened in every statement the German squad make.

When Bastien Schweinsteiger was asked how he would feel if he was dropped at the weekend, he said it wouldn’t bother him in the slightest so long as the team kept playing well.

And, when questioned on the importance of Ozil, goalkeeping coach Andreas Koepke uttered the squad’s effective mantra.

“We’ve functioned well as a team with Ozil performing very well in the last game. I think this European Championships will be won by teams who function as a solid unit. Many of the stars — like Cristiano Ronaldo who has taken a lot of flak — have played excellent games. But I think the stars have to take a backseat for the teams’ best service.’’

The reluctant star himself, meanwhile, could only concur.

“The team supported me excellently on the pitch against Greece so I could really deliver,” Ozil said.

“I was immensely happy to show what I can do at last. Being voted man of the match is a side issue. We just have to function as a team. That’s the key.”

Of course, Germany don’t just function as a team. They positively flow as team. The very evident sense of the collective around their camp is also another element which reflects the exceptional youth infrastructure that has made such football possible.

Indeed, it was striking on Friday night how well Ozil linked up with surprise starter Marco Reus despite the fact they had barely appeared in a full game together before.

“In training we often play together and it became evident that we dovetail on the pitch,” Ozil revealed.

And that consistency of quality regardless of personnel has led to a broader consistency of result. Unlike the 2010 World Cup, after all, Germany have a 100% record in this tournament. Ozil feels the team, despite its average age of 24, has grown significantly since then.

“I think we have matured both as players and human beings. We are a very young team with lots of hungry players coming through.

“In the game against Greece, we showed our true colours as far as attacking football is concerned and we were the best attacking side.

“We’ve also shown we can hold our own against big football nations.”

But can they now go and hold off the biggest? Are Germany now ready to beat the team that has comprehensively outclassed them in the last two tournaments, the Spanish. And, as Ozil inferred, are they now the better footballing team?

Typically, Ozil wouldn’t be so bold.

“Spain are obviously the favourites. They dominated the game against the French, which they rightly won.

“We’re watching ourselves at this stage. The Italy game is the next step and that’s all we’re focusing on.”