GERMANY: Miroslav Klose believes that Germany’s superior team spirit was the key factor in their 4-1 thrashing of England on Sunday. “Team spirit was the main reason we won,” he said. “Everyone worked his socks off for everyone else, and we were all committed to the cause. That’s what made the difference,” the Bayern Munich striker, who scored his 50th international goal on his 99th appearance, said. “
Manuel Neuer has admitted he tried to convince the referee not to award England a goal when Frank Lampard’s shot beat him and bounced over the line by playing on as quickly as possible. “I tried not to react to the referee and just concentrate on what was happening,” the goalkeeper said. “It was difficult. I knew it was close. ‘Then I saw it on the television in the doping control office and what actually happened. I knew it was tight - probably about two metres.”
ARGENTINA: Diego Maradona has started plotting Germany’s downfall ahead of Saturday’s appetising quarter-final, hinting that he may field a more defensively-aware side. “We will try and put together the best team to showcase our talents against Germany,” the coach said after Sunday’s 3-1 win over Mexico. “We know Germany are a different team to the side we faced in Mexico. They are stronger, but we will field the right players to beat them.”
BRAZIL: Dunga believes that the presence of five South American teams in the last 16 proves that football on the continent is in a healthy state. “(And) Uruguay are already in the quarter-finals which leads us to believe that South American football is extremely competitive and has great players,” the Brazil coach, whose team take on Chile tonight, said.
SPAIN: Vicente del Bosque has urged his players to avoid focusing too much on Cristiano Ronaldo when the teams meet tomorrow night in Cape Town. “Portugal are a great team and they’re about more than just Cristiano Ronaldo,” the coach said. “Yes it’s true that Cristiano is one of their best players, but we mustn’t forget that the Portuguese are the only team that still haven’t conceded a goal at this World Cup. That proves that they’re a solid unit and not just a collection of individuals. Their game is based around defensive solidity, pace and counter-attacking, as well as having very skilful players. I foresee a very difficult game. Only the best teams are left in it now.”
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PORTUGAL: Deco is expected to seal his transfer to Fluminense on July 15 after obtaining his release from Chelsea. Born in São Paulo, Deco, now 32, made little impact in Brazilian football when at Corinthians before moving to Portugal, where he eventually enjoyed a hugely successful spell at Porto and acquired Portuguese citizenship which allowed him to play for the national team.
GHANA: Kevin-Prince Boateng is praying he will be fit for Friday’s quarter-final match against Uruguay. The Portsmouth player, who scored Ghana’s first goal in the 2-1 extra-time victory over USA, limped out Saturday’s clash with a hamstring injury. “I don’t know if I will play in the quarter-finals,” Boateng said. “I don’t know if it is a big tear in my hamstring but I will be devastated if I’ve to leave my friends and brothers like that, but I am praying.”