Germans going for goals

For Sami Khedira, it is a question of quantity, not even qualification.

As Germany aim for the three points that will secure a place at the 2014 World Cup, the Real Madrid midfielder merely spoke of how the side “want to score many goals”, to the point of almost entirely dismissing Ireland. Khedira even appeared to indicate Noel King’s side could consider it a positive to just score, while praising the traditional qualities of the visitors.

That utter confidence is perhaps no surprise given Germany’s 6-1 win in Dublin remains their biggest in this campaign, despite playing all four matches against the Faroes and Kazakhstan. “I have tremendously positive memories,” Khedira said of the October result.

“We easily won the game but that really was us playing highly concentrated. Ireland is no bad opponent at all, a robust side fighting for 90 minutes, and of course want to make amends for the 6-1 rout suffered at our hands. I think we will play with equal passion and try and impress the German public with our football.

“I think we can be self-assured enough that it will be down to us. We want to score many goals but they will have many tricks and needles to upset us and maybe even score. It will be a test for us to give it all to come away as winners.”

Mesut Ozil struck a similar note. “We know the Irish are born fighters, who give everything to the final minute. We just have to play our game. I’m quite convinced we will clinch three points if we play to full potential.”

The mention of Ireland’s perceived old-fashioned values and little else would seem to reveal much about the Germans’ attitude to King’s side, with a general disregard reflected by the fact a calzone was still called a ‘Trapattoni’ in the canteen of the Mercedes centre where yesterday’s press conference took place.

Barely any of the questions from the local media covered the game, with most about Ozil’s move from Real Madrid to Arsenal, as well as his general German career given tonight will bring his 50th international cap.

“Well obviously I’m very pleased,” Ozil said of the milestone. “It’s very good for me I have been called up so many times. I would also like to thank the national manager for giving me the trust and confidence.

“As far as tomorrow’s match, we want to give everything to qualify here in Germany and think we’re very well prepared.”

The one real question regarding the German team was whether, in the absences of Miroslav Klose and Mario Gomez, manager Jogi Loew would choose to play a false-nine — with Ozil or Thomas Muller potentially occupying the role, necessitating switches elsewhere. Assistant manager Hansi Flick said that “two or three positions” are still open.