Thaindian News

Warsaw, June 28 (IANS/RIA Novosti) German coach Joachim Loew has warned his side will go all out to prevent Italy from dominating the ball in their Euro 2012 semifinal in the same manner as the Azzurri did against England.

Germany are favourites in their clash with Italy in Warsaw Thursday, and Loew insists the Germans have the quality to enforce their style of play upon the four-time world champions.

“What will be decisive is we will play to our strengths and we will play to our rhythm and we will not allow Italy to dictate how we play,” Loew said.

“We know what our strengths are, we don’t have to concentrate on our opponent.”

Italy beat England in the quarterfinals 4-2 on a penalty shootout after playing 120 minutes without scoring, despite having most possession and controlling the game.

The danger signs were there for Loew.

“We saw that Italy after 60 or 70 minutes got stronger and stronger and had more chances (against England),” Loew said.

“But we are a team that doesn’t react to its opponents. We are our own team, we have formed our own way of playing. We don’t need to hide from anyone.”

He named forward pair Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli as the chief goal-scoring threats.

“But our central defenders are prepared for these players,” Loew said.

Germany’s path to the semifinal has seen victories over Portugal, the Netherlands, Denmark and Greece.

–IANS/RIA Novosti
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