ACTUALITE |
09.06.2002
Germans will handle the pressure says Matthaus
BERLIN
Lothar Matthaus believes Germany will get the point they need against Cameroon on Tuesday to advance into the second round of the World Cup.
The 41-year-old, who skippered West Germany to the 1990 title, told the Welt am Sonntag that Rudi Voller`s side had come through tough tests before in qualifying and would do so again.
African champions Cameroon, who are on four points and trail Germany on goal difference in Group E, need realistically to beat the three-time world champions as Ireland play tailenders Saudi Arabia.
"I think the team can go very far," Matthaus said.
"All the players are doling their best and have shown they can perform under pressure as they did in the two legs of the play-off with Ukraine.
"That is why I am optimistic as I would compare the Cameroon match to those ones," added Matthaus, who was recenty sacked as coach of Austrian giants Rapid Vienna.
Matthaus also dismissed Franz Beckenbauer`s criticism of Dietmar Hamann and Michael Ballack, who had complained the two midfielders weren`t vocal enough on the pitch.
"Today it is much more difficult to find leaders because there is a lot of jealousy and envy around in the game," he said.
"If somebody is louder or more extrovert on the pitch these days then he risks becoming a victim of such negative feelings," added the veteran of five World Cups.
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