
Juergen Klinsmann is basking in the affections of a nation but the coach knows a slip against Sweden on Saturday would make him responsible for one of the least successful World Cup campaigns in history. Germany, three times winners and finalists on a further four occasions, have cruised into the second round of their home tournament with wins over Costa Rica, Poland and Ecuador.
Klinsmann has heard his name chanted at the stadiums, while fans and pundits everywhere have given him warm praise for building a team with an insatiable appetite for attack. But the coach has been at pains to point out that nothing has yet been achieved.
Klinsmann will warn his players that Sweden, who showed great character to draw 2-2 with England in their last Group B game and may have Zlatan Ibrahimovic back after a groin injury, are capable of pricking the bubble of euphoria. Christoph Metzelder will return to a full strength side at centre back after being rested in the Ecuador game.
Germany have won two of three World Cup meetings against Sweden. Sweden8217;s win came in the 1958 semi-final in their home World Cup but they lost the final to Brazil.
Match officials: Referee: Carlos Simon BRA, Assistant Referees: Aristeu Tavares BRA, Ednilson Corona BRA, Fourth Official: MAIDIN Shamsul Maidin SIN, Stand-by: Prachya Permpanich THA.
Kevin Fylan