Germans believe their time is now

Germany may increasingly represent the future of international football, but the current message is all too clear: they feel they’re finally ready to rule the present.

On the eve of a semi-final against a country they have never beaten in tournament football, both manager Jogi Löw and midfielder Bastien Schweinsteiger struck a resolute tone.

“Our team is perfectly capable of beating anyone in the world,” Löw proclaimed.