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Germans well prepared

23 Jun 2006 - 14:44:01

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Germany's bid to win the World Cup on home soil continues in Munich's Allianz Arena with a last 16 clash with Sweden.

Jurgen Klinsmann's side came into the tournament under huge pressure and were given little or no chance of featuring in the latter stages of the competition.

However, three wins out of three in Group A have raised expectations in Germany and coach Klinsmann is trying to remain realistic.

He said ahead of the game: "The Swedes are quite an obstacle.

"We've seen their games at this tournament and we know they're capable of keeping up with the best teams in the world.

"We are not just physically in good shape, but we have prepared for this World Cup mentally.

"The players have grown and become more mature in these last few weeks and that is the most important basis to go into these games of nerves coming up because from now on, in these knockout games, it's a mental thing."

Klinsmann has no suspension worries, while goalkeeper Jens Lehmann is fit to start despite a bruised hip.

Sweden coach Lars Lagerback has his fingers crossed that striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will have overcome the groin injury that saw him sit out the 2-2 draw with England.

If the Juventus ace is fit, Marcus Allback is likely to drop to the bench despite netting against England.

Lagerback is looking forward to the challenge of making further progress in front of what is sure to be a partisan crowd in Munich.

"Our players have shown what character they have," Lagerback said. "We know we will play against a very good team. They have a very solid defence and their attack is not bad either.

"It could be tough for Germany to play at home and have all these expectations."

Like Klinsmann, Lagerback has no players suspended as his side seek to take revenge for an infamous 3-2 defeat by Germany in the semi-finals of the 1992 European Championships that were held in Sweden.