UEFA European Under-19 Championship in the Czech Republic. Hrubesch's side reached the final tournament playing a familiar formation although, as he prepares his players to take on Hungary, Bulgaria and Spain in Group A, he recognises an ability to adapt could make all the difference. "You can expect us to play 4-4-2 most of the time, although that depends on the side we're facing," he said. "We're not fixed in that department. Hungary are a strong team; they won against Portugal, and we drew 1-1 against them in March. Everyone at the finals deserves to be there; they all have their skills." For all the coach's praise for Bulgaria and Hungary, however, it is his side's first opponents – a repeat of the final of UEFA EURO 2008™ – that represent the biggest challenge. "I don't think I have to say anything about Spain; they've won four out of the last six tournaments and that says it all. The title will be won only by beating Spain. In principal they play very similarly [to the senior side]; we'll have to wait and see if they play the same formation. But it will be decisive that we play our own game. If we just stand there passively and watch them play, we will fail. We must act, not react." When asked about his squad's ambitions for the finals, Hrubesch is unequivocal: "To win it. I have always said it makes no sense to go to such a tournament and say that you are there to finish last or just play well. The first goal of course is to qualify for the [FIFA U-20] World Cup, so you have to finish at least third in your group. If you manage to qualify for the semi-finals or the final, that is of course even better and could be the icing on the cake." Although Germany have never won the U19 title, their coach believes the opportunity to participate in these finals is crucial to the development of the players. "I've been with the German Football Association for almost ten years now," he said. "I've had some players under my wing that are professionals today and they always come and tell me what a great a time they had in these tournaments. Philipp Lahm is one example who now plays at the highest level. They will still value this tournament in 20 years; this is where they learn they are capable of playing with the best players at international level." Deutschland have power to take at least a point.
|
