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Beckenbauer demands Germany improve its performance ahead
of Euro 2008
BERLIN - Franz Beckenbauer has called for Germany to end its poor performances,
with the European Championship only three months away.
"It's time to apply the gas," said Beckenbauer, who coached
Germany to the 1990 World Cup title and won the 1974 title as a player.
"They have to reach form now to play at the level they were at during
the 2006 World Cup and the following months."
A young German team reached the World Cup semifinals in 2006, then coasted
through qualifying for the Europeans. Since then, it has struggled.
The poor games included a 3-0 friendly win against Austria in February.
Three second-half goals didn't disguise an uninspired game against a side
which had won just one of its last 13 matches.
Beckenbauer expects an upswing on March 26 against tournament co-host
Switzerland and believes Germany could win its fourth European crown.
"It would be contradictory to say our goal is to win the European
title, then not count us among the top favourites," Beckenbauer said.
Beckenbauer, however, voiced concern about whether five starters from
the last World Cup will be ready - seriously injured Torsten Frings and
Christoph Metzelder, along with a trio reduced to reserves at their clubs,
Jens Lehmann, Lukas Podolski and Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Germany's first game at Euro 2008 is against Poland on June 8.
canadianpress.google.com,
March 11, 2008
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