RIO DE JANEIRO // France coach Didier Deschamps insisted that his team have no reason to fear Germany as the sides prepare to clash in the quarter-finals today.
“There is no apprehension or fear,” Deschamps said. “There is no reason for us to feel any.
“Germany are a solid, experienced side, but this game will be a pleasure for us.”
The match will be the first competitive meeting since West Germany beat France 2-0 in the 1986 World Cup semi-finals. Deschamps said Germany are the strongest side they have faced at these finals.
“We have no pressure on us, just excitement at being able to play a World Cup quarter-final. We will have a new page of our history to write and let’s hope it is a beautiful one. Germany are one of the favourites to win the competition. They always reach the latter stages.
“They are a solid side with excellent individual talents who impose their game on the opposition,” said Deschamps, whose side edged Nigeria with a 2-0 victory in the last 16 on Monday. “I have a lot of respect for Nigeria, but Germany are a much better side.”
Meanwhile, Andre Schurrle is hoping his strong performance for Germany against underdogs Algeria will lead to a starting berth against France.
Schurrle, who scored Germany’s first goal early in extra time in their 2-1 victory in last 16, sparked his struggling teammates after coming off the bench at half time.
“I feel much better as a starter and everyone wants to be on the pitch at the kick off,” he said. “I’d be delighted to have the chance to start on Friday. I’m really fired up.
“I feel good, I feel in form and I’m really glad I finally got the chance to play more in the last match.”
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