German midfield enforcer Bastian Schweinsteiger, referred to by the Bayern Munich fans as “Fussballgott” or “Football God”, dearly wants to prove that God is not on Brazil’s side by winning the epic semifinal clash against the hosts today.
The well-mannered Schweinsteiger was talking to the press at the Estadio Mineirao where he expressed cautious optimism about his team’s triumph. It is mentionable that it was his first appearance before the press since the World Cup kicked off.
The 29-year old midfielder started the presser on a funny note by saying all the German players have been naturally tanned since arriving in Brazil about a month ago. “After 30 days it is great to be in Brazil. You may notice that everyone is a little more tanned. But we are in a contest and I am very happy that we are still in contention. We have noticed that the Brazilian people have the joy of living. We are very happy with the way they are treating us. I had the chance to have contact with the people here (Santa Cruz Cabrália), Porto Alegre and Rio de Janeiro. We have always been treated very well. All the affection was so great that I wore some shirts of Brazilian clubs given to me such as Bahia, Flamengo and Gremio,” said Schweinsteiger.
Schweini had his own answer as to why he attracted the nickname of Football God. “It is difficult to give an answer about me. I can only say that, in Munich, the madness of people is very great to me. It is something I cannot explain why, but it happened. Earlier, I saw the fans idolising former player Carsten Jancker and then it happened to me. The fans who are in the southern curve of the stadium always cry a lot. I think that’s way they love football and that’s what I can say about the love I am flooded with in Germany,” explained Schweinsteiger.
Unlike the previous editions of the World Cup where Schweinsteiger was virtually guaranteed a start in every game, he did not play against Portugal in the opening game and only entered the field as a substitute against Ghana in the second group game due to injury problems. “I always want to start every game but I’m experienced enough to understand that the player himself is not important here. What matters is the collective game. There are individual players who make up the team. I’m in good shape, playing 90 minutes in a competitive way,” said Schweinsteiger.
Schweinsteiger said Germany are ready to beat the hosts and move to their first final in 12 years. “The team has grown up in terms of maturity. It is now more experienced than the 2010 team, players are more experienced. We have a bench of high quality. Anyone who enters can change the course of the game. There is no discontent or dissatisfaction. All players are fine. We are growing together. People here believe God will help them (Brazil) to win. But we believe our hard work will please Him as we win,” concluded the number-seven jersey holder confidently.