Buoyant Germans better than England, insists Reus
GDANSK, Poland, June 23, 2012 (AFP) - Midfielder Marco Reus has said Germany have proved they are the team to beat ahead of Thursday's Euro 2012 semi-final and insisted the Germans are better than possible opponents England.
Germany trounced Greece 4-2 at Arena Gdansk in Friday's quarter-final as Reus marked his first start at Euro 2012 with a goal on only his seventh appearance in the national team.
In the Warsaw semi-final, Germany will face either England or Italy, who meet on Sunday in the Kiev quarter-final, and while Reus credited England in performing better here than had been predicted - they finished top of their group - he said the Germans were still the better team.
“I think England have stepped up and exceeded everyone's expectations, also they have added Wayne Rooney (who was suspended
The European title is in our hands. Prior to the tournament, our objective was to win the trophy, now we have stepped up our performances
for the first two games but played and scored in the third group game the 1-0 win over Ukraine) to their line-up,” said the 23-year-old who will join German champions Borussia Dortmund next season.
“I still think we have the better squad, both individually and as a team.
“The European title is in our hands. Prior to the tournament, our objective was to win the trophy, now we have stepped up our
perform- ances.” Germany coach Joachim Loew sprang a surprise before kick-off against Greece by naming the former Borussia Moenchengladbach star and Bayer Leverkusen's Andre Schuerrle in his starting line-up.