Bierhoff eyes World Cup glory

Germany general manager Oliver Bierhoff has warned rivals his team will be aiming to lift the World Cup next summer.

After finishing third at the last World Cup and second at Euro 2008, Bierhoff believes 2010 could be Germany’s year to win their first trophy since the 1996 European Championships.

“A nation like Germany has got to set its sights on winning the title when it goes into a World Cup,” he told the Bild newspaper.

“Our minimum aim is always the quarter-finals, but the dream is obviously to become world champions. We got close to it in 2006 and 2008.”

Nevertheless, Bierhoff does not believe Germany are among the favourites in South Africa.

“(There are) Brazil, Spain and also England under Fabio Capello, and then comes Germany,” he added.

“I see us on a level with Argentina and Italy, but I also think the Ivory Coast are very strong.”

Germany face Argentina in March in their final warm-up match before the World Cup.