..::Football III::..

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Illarramendi is future of Spain and Real Madrid - Alonso

Xabi Alonso has labelled midfielder Asier Illarramendi as Spain and Real Madrid's “future”.
The 24-year-old came through the ranks at Real Sociedad’s youth academy – just as Alonso did years before – and then completed a £34m move to Madrid in the summer of 2013.

Alonso believes the defensive midfielder has done well in his first season with the Spanish giants and is confident he will develop into a key player for club and country.

"Illarra is the future. He is in his first year with a major change. It is important for him. I have no doubt [of his talent],” Alonso told Cadena Cope.

“Madrid is a bull and we must be prepared for this – and Asier is going to be.”

Illarramendi made 29 league appearances for Carlo Ancelotti’s side last season, scoring two goals and making one assist for his colleagues.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Confederations Cup win doesn't count - David Luiz

Brazil defender David Luiz has insisted that his side's Confederations Cup triumph last summer counts for nothing at the World Cup.

Luiz Felipe Scolari's side cruised to victory in the warm-up tournament 12 months ago, winning all of their games, including an impressive 3-0 thrashing of Spain in the final.

However, the Paris Saint-Germain centre-back is taking nothing for granted as the Selecao kick off their World Cup campiagn in Sao Paulo against Croatia on Thursday.

"The World Cup is a different tournament, in fact, [it is] the biggest of the tournaments," he told the Times of India.

"In football, past results don't count. So, we are trying to forget what happened a year ago [in the Confederations Cup]... and concentrate on the job at hand.

"Yes, it was great to be champions of the Confederations Cup. It would just be great to repeat that success.

"There's tremendous excitement. Playing in the World Cup is a dream for every footballer and it is a great moment for me. It cannot get bigger than that!"

The former Chelsea man is also full of respect for Croatia and has told his team-mates not to take anything for granted in their opening game of the tournament.

"They have a strong team. There are no easy matches. Football is not predictable. If it were so, the charm would have gone from this beautiful game.

"Croatia have some wonderful footballers and they will be eager, just like us, to show the world what they are capable of. We will be alert and confident to start the World Cup in the best possible manner."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Messi fooled by Ronaldinho lookalike

Lionel Messi was taken by surprise during Argentina's training session on Wednesday by a pitch invader he briefly mistook for his former Barcelona team-mate and friend Ronaldinho.

Argentina trained in front of thousands of fans and press at Belo Horizonte's Estadio Independencia, where Ronaldinho regularly turns out for Atletico Mineiro.

After some light running, the Albiceleste squad were divided into small groups for games of football-tennis in a low-key session which finished amid chaos as over a dozen supporters climbed over the fences to invade the pitch and ran in search of a handshake or a hug from their heroes.

Most headed in Messi's direction and security guards were overwhelmed in their attempts to halt the fans as the practice was quickly brought to an abrupt end.

But the Argentine was initially fooled by the Ronaldinho double.

Robinson Oliveira, who works as a professional lookalike of the Brazilian forward, told Goal: "When he saw me he was shocked because he thought I was the real Ronaldinho and he told me that I didn't need to run on the pitch to see him.

"He said: 'What are you doing running on here to see me?' When he held my hand, I went down on my knees [and bowed]. It was so emotional."

He added: "I didn't plan this. I just thought to myself that I have to hold his hand because this is the only opportunity I will have to see him."

The lookalike, who bears an uncanny resemblance to the former Barca hero, ended up with a bloodied hand after scaling the fence in his adventure to meet Messi, but said: "It was worth it."

Asked which of the two players he prefers, he replied: "Ronaldinho, of course!"

Argentina and Messi kick off their World Cup campaign against Bosnia at the Maracana on Sunday.

 

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'Croatia know how to stop Neymar & Brazil' - Kovac

Croatia coach Niko Kovac says his team know what they have to do to stop Brazil and Neymar when they meet in the opening match of the World Cup.

The two sides kick off the tournament on Thursday at the Corinthians Arena with Brazil the favourites to win the match and the competition outright.

But Kovac insists it will be no easy task for Luiz Felipe Scolari's men and says his team are capable of handling them.

"We know how to stop Neymar and Brazil," Kovac said at his press conference. "Brazil is not only Neymar - they have a great team, but Croatia also have excellent players.
"All those in the team know how nice it is to play for Croatia and how much we love our people. We will leave our heart on the field."

The teams last met in the 2006 World Cup in Germany, with Brazil winning 1-0, but Kovac says his side will fight for a good result against the five-time world champions and vowed to attack throughout the game.
The coach continued: "In Berlin, we were not able to surprise them, but we will give our best. No surrender - we will attack Brazil! Just as we did in the Serbia friendly. Possession is very important because Brazilians do not like to run for the ball."
Croatia captain Dario Srna also vowed to make it difficult for the South American hosts, insisting they will make their fans proud of them.

"I cannot promise that we'll go get a group win or beat Brazil, but we'll give every ounce of energy," he said. "It is a big day for us. All Croatians will be proud.

"The pitch is great and our preparation went great, the conditions in the camp are excellent, arriving in Sao Paulo went without problems.

"Fernandinho and Willian are my friends. We agree that Brazil is the favourite, but they will not find it easy."

 

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'My mission isn't finished' - Blatter to stand for re-election

Sepp Blatter will stand for re-election as Fifa president after the organisation voted against term and age limits for officials.

The 78-year-old's widely anticipated announcement that he is to pursue a fifth term in office comes amid a tumultuous week personally in the build-up to the World Cup in Brazil.

Blatter branded UK newspaper reports of fresh corruption allegations relating to the voting process for the hosting of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as racist, bringing sustained criticism from leading figures in Uefa and across European football.

Yet, despite this groundswell of continental ill-feeling against Blatter, the vote at the Fifa Congress to reject limits on the age of officials and the lengths of term they can serve demonstrated the widespread support he retains across world football's governing body.

Welcomed to the stage with applause as he made his closing remarks in Sao Paulo, Blatter said: "I know that my mandate will finish next year on 29 May in Zurich. But my mission is not finished."And I tell you together we will build the new Fifa together. We have the foundations today because we have the budget for the next four years.

"We have the foundation, now we work. Congress, you will decide who takes this great institution forward."But I can tell you I am ready to accompany you in the future."

Jerome Champagne, whose confirmed candidacy for the Fifa presidency in 2015 has won high-profile support in the form of Pele, made a prompt statement in response to Blatter's announcement.

It read: "For the past years and in particular since I declared my candidacy on January 20, 2014 in London, I have been defending the need of a genuine, respectful and fair-play debate on all issues affecting Fifa and football in the 21st century.

"Moreover, in any democratic organisation, the election of its president is about vision, programmes and manifestos. No one should fear this open discussion in front of the people of football, which would honour those organising and conducting it."

Blatter, meanwhile, also suggested football could follow in the footsteps of cricket by allowing managers two challenges to officials' decisions per game by reviewing instant television replays of contentious incidents - a major departure from his previous caution over introducing greater technology into football."We could do something more on the field of play," Blatter said."Why don't we give team managers the possibility of two challenges for refereeing during the match? If the manager disagrees with a decision why should he not ask for an immediate TV review with the referee?"

Blatter did sound a far less polarising tone earlier in the day when he called for stronger action to be taken to curb racism in world football.He said: "We must impose the toughest punishment to send a clear message.

Suspension and empty stadia is not enough. As coming out of the resoution of last year, we should be docking points, expelling teams, or relegating them. This would be an example for all the others."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Van Persie, Robben & Sneijder are a real threat, admits Martinez

Spain midfielder Javi Martinez has highlighted Netherlands attackers Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder as a real threat to his side's chances in their World Cup opener on Friday.

The two teams meet in a replay of the 2010 final, in which an Andres Iniesta goal in extra time clinched the trophy for the Spaniards after Arjen Robben had missed a glorious opportunity on the hour mark.

And Martinez believes the reigning European and world champions will have to be wary of his Bayern team-mate along with Van Persie and Sneijder in the re-match.

"Their biggest threat are their front three, who are all world class," he told reporters. "Robben is excellent at drifting into space and we will have to watch out for that."

The 25-year-old says he has spoken to Robben about that missed chance four years ago.Martinez continued: "We have talked about it in the past couple of years. It was a bitter blow for Holland and him personally.

"We've spoken about that match and the one-on-ones against Iker a fair few times. Before the 2013 Champions League final I told him not to blow his opportunity to make amends and he didn't."Martinez believes there is extra pressure on Spain to win their opening game in such a tight group which also consists of Chile and Australia.

"After losing our first game last time round, the onus is on us not to do the same thing again," he said."We showed that it isn't the be-all and end-all in South Africa, but getting off to a good start gives you extra confidence, even though we ended up as champions four years ago."

The former Athletic Bilbao player also reflected on last year's Confederations Cup defeat to Brazil, the tournament hosts who are rated as favourites to win this year's tournament.

"Brazil were more aggressive than us," conceded Martinez.
"We were outclassed and it was a wake-up call. If we're not up for every match, anyone can beat us."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho rules out Hazard exit

Jose Mourinho has dismissed speculation surrounding Eden Hazard's future, declaring that the Belgian will not be allowed to leave Chelsea this summer.

The 23-year-old had been heavily linked with French champions Paris Saint-Germain, with Laurent Blanc publicly expressing interest in the attacker, though Hazard has since said he is certain to remain in London.

And Mourinho, despite having been critical of Hazard during last season's Premier League run-in, has now confirmed that he has no intention of letting the former Lille man leave Stamford Bridge.

"Just because I say that Eden does not have everything, it doesn't mean I don't want him," the Portuguese told L'Equipe.

"He has fantastic potential and will express it at Chelsea. For him, as for others, the door is closed. People who know me know that, when I say that, I mean it."

Hazard was Chelsea's top scorer in the Premier League last season, netting 14 times, while he also made seven assists.

Though the west Londoners have already sold David Luiz to PSG, as well as releasing Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole, Hazard is highly unlikely to join them in leaving Chelsea and is in the process of sealing a contract extension.

"I am staying at Chelsea, [that is] 100 per cent sure," he told Le Derniere Heure on Monday. "I am in discussions with Chelsea for a new contract.

"It is only the beginning of the talks right now so we have got time but the fact that Chelsea have offered me a new deal means that they have got a lot of confidence in me that I can do a good job and that they can count on me."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Elazzzzzzzz Hazard EPL inna one

 

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I want to replicate PSG success with Milan - Menez

Jeremy Menez says he wants to have the same success with AC Milan that he enjoyed with Paris Saint-Germain.

The France international joined PSG from Roma in 2011 and has since won two consecutive Ligue 1 titles and reached the Champions League quarter-finals in each of the last two seasons.

The 27-year-old attacker arrived in Italy on Wednesday to undergo a medical ahead of his proposed move to the San Siro giants, and told reporters he is keen to repeat his experiences in the French capital upon donning the Milan shirt.

"I'm very happy, I want to win with this shirt as I did with PSG," he admitted after landing in Lombardy.

"Why Milan? Because it's a big team, not just a big club. I really hope to do well."

Menez returns to Italy to become new coach Filippo Inzaghi's first signing as the club attempt to put a disappointing 2013-14 campaign behind them. But having previously spent three years with Roma before his transfer to Paris three years ago, he insists that he will show on the field of play just how his game has progressed since his last spell in Serie A.

"Differences between this Menez and the old one? You will see on the pitch. Compared to four years ago, I have grown a lot and I want to prove it on the field."

Menez spent Wednesday evening dining with Milan CEO Adriano Galliani and will undergo a medical at the club's Milanello complex on Thursday ahead of signing a €4.5 million-a-year, three-year deal.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

England can't handle World Cup pressure, says Vialli

Gianluca Vialli believes Italy will handle the pressure of the World Cup better than Group D rivals England.

The 49-year-old, who was at Chelsea for four years before later managing Watford, thinks that players who do well in the Premier League find it hard to cope with the expectation at major international tournaments.

With the Azzurri first up for the Three Lions in Manaus on Saturday, Vialli is confident that his nation will be in better shape, claiming that they "eat pressure for breakfast".

He told Perform: "I think it's quite funny with England because, for about four years, all the England fans and the England players feel a bit depressed and disillusioned when it comes to the England side and then, one month before the World Cup starts, everybody sort of starts feeling that they [will] naturally win it and everybody feels super-confident.

"I think that England fans should try to find a balance in between both state of minds but I think the England players find it quite difficult when they play in the World Cup because they are not used to the pressure.

"When they play in the Premiership, when they play Manchester United versus Chelsea, for example, or Arsenal, there's no pressure; it's actually quite fun to play.

"You know that there are no consequences if you don't do well, as long as you do your best on the pitch, and therefore, when they play for the national team, when they wear the England shirt, all of a sudden they realise they are representing their country. They feel there is a massive expectation, there's a lot of scrutiny and a lot of consequences.

"It's the inability to handle the pressure that makes a big difference between between the Italian players and the England players when it comes to the World Cup stage.

"The Italian players, they eat pressure for breakfast so they grow up with a lot of pressure and they know how to handle it.

"Also [Italy] are very good at winning games even though we are not playing at our best, which is something that England players need to learn quite fast if they want to succeed in the World Cup because there will be one or two games where you will not be performing so you need to be able to win it anyway. Historically we are very good at that."

Although Vialli is not convinced by England's ability to perform under intense pressure, he acknowledges that they are more than capable of posing a threat on Saturday.

"I think England are a very exciting side because they have got so many young, talented, creative players playing up front," he added.

"The likes of [Daniel] Sturridge, [Wayne] Rooney, and [Raheem] Sterling, [Adam] Lallana, [Danny] Welbeck, they can turn hot quickly and can create problems for the opposition.

"They need to be a bit more clinical, though, because there won't be many goalscoring opportunities so they need to take their chances when they can."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Neymar: I had a Ronaldo haircut in 2002

Neymar has revealed he sported the same outrageous hairstyle as Ronaldo during Brazil's triumphant 2002 World Cup campaign.

Ronaldo notched eight goals - including two in the final against Germany - to finish clear at the top of the scoring charts in Japan and South Korea, but made as many headlines for his appearance as his on-field heroics.

The former Real Madrid striker shaved off all his hair except a section at the front, with the look since regularly topping lists of the worst haircuts in football history.

But Neymar admits his admiration for Il Fenomeno prompted him to follow suit during the tournament, even though he claims he has forgotten most of the context of Brazil's fifth World Cup victory.

"In 2002, I had a haircut like Ronaldo's but I don't remember much," he told reporters at a press conference in Sao Paulo ahead of Thursday's tournament opener against Croatia. "I remember celebrating.

"Romario and Ronaldo are the two star players that I always think of when we talk about World Cups, especially 2002.

"I get inspiration from all players all over the world, players like Messi and Ronaldo, but I hope to follow my path together with my team."

 

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'I didn't hesitate in joining Atletico' - Siqueira

Guilherme Siqueira revealed that he wasted no time in deciding to join Atletico Madrid after finalising his move on Wednesday.

The Spanish champions have struck a deal with Granada for the left-back, who agreed a four-year contract at Vicente Calderon last week and has now been unveiled in the capital after passing his medical. The 28-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Europa League finalists Benfica, says he didn't hesitate to accept Atletico's offer and hopes the success they achieved this season can be sustained for a long period of time.

"Today is an unforgettable day. I'm happy and excited," he said at his unveiling. "It is an important day because I can already say that I am at the Liga champions.

"Of course. That's what we're working towards. We don't speak about a season here, but a cycle." The defender added that he is looking forward to joining the team and praised coach Diego Simeone for the work he has done with the club.

"This Atletico team is impressive, watching the team is a pleasure. One of the strengths of this group is physical fitness. Atleti are stronger at the latter stages of the league campaign than others."Any player would want to be part of this group, it did not take a second to decide once I knew they were interested."

"The boss has been doing an amazing job. Watching Atletico play is a joy. The project here is about results. Any footballer would want to be a part of this club.

"I haven't spoken to him yet, let him enjoy his holidays, but there's not much to say, you can see what Atleti are about. I really like the idea of playing each game as if it were your last. I hope to settle in as quickly as possible."

 

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Scolari: Current Brazil side as good as Ronaldo's 2002 champions

Luiz Felipe Scolari says that his Brazil squad are “collectively the same” as the team he led to World Cup victory in 2002.Speaking at the Arena Corinthians, where Brazil will kick-off the 2014 showpiece on Thursday against Croatia, the Selecao coach told the world’s media that his current crop can emulate the Ronaldo-inspired success of 12 years ago.

“I would say that this squad and the 2002 squad are collectively the same,” said Scolari. “There was an ability in that squad which helped to change games tactically.

“This squad has players that change their games to help the team. For instance, Neymar helps to mark players if it helps the whole team."‘Big Phil’ added that he feels his troops are ready to fulfil the dreams of the entire host nation.

"We want to thank president Dilma Rousseff for her words of support and also the fans from across the country who are backing us.“The time has arrived, we are going together. This is our World Cup.”

Scolari has been hit by the deaths of his brother-in-law and nephew in the build-up to the finals beginning, but he says that football has helped him to move forward as the World Cup approaches.

“Yes, we have gone through difficult times together, but life goes on,” he added. “We do what we have to do and we go on. Each of us has a path to follow.“I find my strength from working with these players who dedicate themselves every day and are always trying to improve. All this helps us forget the sadness and see the beauty of what is happening around you.”

Niko Kovac’s Croatia side are likely to give Brazil a tough test in their opening Group A fixture, and Scolari insists that he is focused entirely on the events of Thursday night.“I'm thinking only of tomorrow, because we have seven steps to take and we cannot jump the first of those steps.

“We have prepared well, we are all fit to play, and everything that was planned was excellent… I will sleep well tonight.”

 

[Vidane]

කීයටද බන් openning Ceremony එක පටන් ගන්නෙ?

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pirlo: This World Cup should be my last action for Italy

Andrea Pirlo has admitted he plans to retire from international duty after this World Cup unless he is desperately needed by Italy.

The midfielder has been a member of the national team since 2002 and lifted the 2006 World Cup as well as reaching the Euro 2012 final with the Azzurri.

After 12 years of service, the 35-year-old is ready to bring an end to his international career unless Cesare Prandelli is struggling for options if he is not available for selection.

"I'm still thinking of retiring after this World Cup, as I have reached a certain age and it is only right to leave the pitch to the generation coming through," the Juventus star told reporters.

"It would be pointless to continue. If I am needed, then there’s no problem in coming back. If I come on international duty and don’t play, then I’d get angry. It is perhaps better I stay home."

Pirlo was then asked about Mario Balotelli and he believes the striker's goal drought will come to an end soon.The Juventus star said: "Strikers score goals, so when they don’t come then perhaps he gets a little upset, but he just needs to focus on playing for the team and then a goal will arrive as a consequence of that.

"It is the dream of every player to be at a World Cup in Brazil, the nation of football. It’s not something that happens often, so we have the chance to make this a World Cup to be remembered for all our lives."

Italy are without a win in seven matches as they prepare to face Costa Rica, England and Uruguay in the group stage.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Neuer fit for Portugal clash

Manuel Neuer will be fit for Germany's World Cup opener with Portugal, according to goalkeeper coach Andreas Kopke.

The Bayern Munich keeper has been struggling with a shoulder injury in recent weeks, but Kopke has allayed any fears that he will miss their Group G fixture on Monday, June 16."Manuel's going to train fully today so that he can get a feel for his shoulder," Kopke said.

"Things are going in the right direction for him. Manuel is experienced enough and we're constantly discussing how his shoulder feels."It's not the case that he doesn't have faith in it. Manuel is fully fit."

Neuer's understudy Roman Weidenfeller played in Germany's last two warm-up games - a 2-2 draw with Cameron and a 6-1 thrashing of Armenia - and Kopke insists there is no problem between the two keepers as they battle it out for the number one jersey."You've got to have a great team spirit," he said. "Roman has said himself that there is no point in arguing about who should be number one.

"He would be ready to play at any time, but he knows the overall situation. The players are pushing each other to greater things with their performances."

 

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Pele: Rooney key for England

Brazil legend Pele has backed England to progress from a tough Group D and expects Wayne Rooney to be their star performer.

Rooney has come under criticism from some quarters ahead of this year's tournament and the Manchester United man is yet to score in eight appearances at World Cup finals.

However, Pele who won three World Cups during his illustrious playing career, feels Rooney has what it takes to lead England past Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica and into the last 16."I would like him in my team, you know!" he told Sky Sports News.

"Wayne Rooney has not scored [in the World Cup finals] but he was fantastic for the team. He was always the player who fought more for the team. The World Cup is a very short tournament and the experienced players always do well."England have a difficult group but I think they could qualify."

On Brazil's chances of lifting the World Cup for a sixth time, Pele is confident that the tournament will end on a high for Luiz Felipe Scolari's side, although he admits there are a plethora of teams capable of going all the way."Always I trust Brazil are going to win the final, it doesn't matter against who," he said.

"But besides Brazil I see Germany and we have to respect Spain. In South America I think Argentina and maybe Chile - Chile have a good team, they could be the surprise."

 

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Robben: No regrets, I’m proud of 2010

Netherlands forward Arjen Robben says that he is proud of his runner-up medal from the 2010 World Cup.

The Dutch lost 1-0 to Spain thanks to an extra-time Andres Iniesta goal at Soccer City in Johannesburg four years ago, after Robben missed what proved to be a pivotal one-on-one with Iker Casillas on the hour mark.

But the 30-year-old says he has no regrets and can’t wait for this weekend's big kick-off in Brazil.

"A World Cup is always something special and I am very excited to be in Brazil for this one," he told Fifa.com.

"South Africa was a really great tournament for me. It was obviously a big disappointment we lost the final, but I am still really proud of what we all achieved together at that tournament."

The former Chelsea and Real Madrid star went on to say he was confident a young Dutch team can perform at the tournament, but conceded they are not among the favourites.

"Experience is important, especially mentally. But on the pitch it is all about playing in the right way, doing what you have to do - and it doesn’t matter if you are 22 or 32. You just have to do what is asked for.

"That said, in my opinion Brazil, Argentina, Spain and Germany are the favourites. It will be hard for us because we have to play a very tough group."

Netherlands have been drawn in Group alongside Chile, Australia and reigning world champions Spain.

 

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Rakitic excited by 'dream' Barcelona switch

Sevilla midfielder Ivan Rakitic is revelling in a "dream come true" as he looks set to seal a switch to La Liga giants Barcelona.

The 26-year-old is expected to move to Camp Nou after he has represented Croatia at the World Cup, with his performances during Sevilla's Europa League victory last season having caught the eye of several of Europe's biggest clubs.
And Rakitic is thrilled to be on the verge of a move to the Catalan outfit, who are looking to rebuild their squad after missing out on the Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey trophies last season.

"I am very happy," Rakitic told Catalan newspaper Sport. "It is a dream come true."Barcelona are believed to have agreed a deal in the region of €20 million for the Croatia international.

Rakitic's arrival is expected to hasten the departure of Cesc Fabregas, with Premier League sides Chelsea, Manchester Unitedand Manchester City all linked with the Spain midfielder's signature.

Barcelona appointed Luis Enrique as head coach last month after parting company with Gerardo Martino, who lasted just one season at the helm.

 

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Ozil: Germany want to win World Cup for Low

Germany midfielder Mezut Ozil says he is desperate to win the World Cup for coach Joachim Low.

Germany have arrived in Brazil seeking their fourth world title and were handed a tough Group G draw featuring Portugal, Ghana and USA.

The former Real Madrid man says he and his team-mates are desperate to claim the crown as a thank you to Low, who Ozil says has revolutionised the national team during his spell in charge.

“He's introduced a totally new German national team - one that is really respected all over the world,” Ozil told the official Arsenal club website.

“Wherever we go, I think opponents are reluctant to play us because we are very strong. If you look at the German team over the last couple of years, you can see that we have continuously played excellent football.”

Low, 54, took charge of the side following World Cup 2006 and finished runners-up at Euro 2008 before making it to the semi-finals of both World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012.

And Ozil is keen to go a step further in Brazil this month.

“[Low] is one of the best in the world and we're happy to have him around the team.

“I hope he will finally be rewarded because in the past we've lost in the semi-finals or final and to lose when you are so close is always sad.”