Germany Vs Spain, Antonio R\"udiger: I See A Balanced Match

Antonio R\"udiger, Germany's mainstay defender at Euro 2024 (photo:eufa.com)

JAKARTA - Antonio R\"udiger, Germany's mainstay defender at Euro 2024, has performed convincingly in his role so far. In an exclusive interview with kicker, Real Madrid defender discussed the quarter-final match against Spain, Friday, July 5, as well as talented young players such as Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Jamal Musiala.

The quarter-final match between Germany and Spain is considered by many observers as an accelerated final. For R\"udiger, this match has a special meaning as he has played for Real Madrid since 2022. "It's a big and important game, a classic game. I'm looking forward to this match," R\"udiger said. However, he stressed that a new emotion will emerge when the referee blows the whistle to the start of the match.

The two teams, Germany and Spain, have shown solid performance throughout this tournament, a view R\"udiger has also shared. "I think the two most stable teams in this tournament will meet," said R\"udiger, who was born in Berlin. "I see a balanced match. We have to be ready to fight."

The main focus ahead of the match at Stuttgart on Friday was the young players from both teams: Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz on the German side, as well as Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams on the Spanish side. According to R\"udiger, the key for the German team is to overcome the counter-attack speed of the Spanish wingers.

"We have to dare to move forward because they are also vulnerable. They are pressing high, and we can take advantage of that. However, we must have good and calm possession of the ball in a stressful situation. And we must not make mistakes," explained the winner of the Champions League. He added that Williams and Yamal, though still very young, had shown great responsibility. "They did what they could, and it was a one-on-one duel."

R\"udiger also praised the courage of those who were not afraid to make mistakes. "If they lose the ball, they will try again. That's what makes them special," said R\"udiger, who sees similarities with Musiala. "Jamal is a player who can make a difference. We have to help him to play freely."

When asked if he was worried he would not be welcomed back in Madrid if Germany won the quarter-finals, R\"udiger firmly replied, "100 per cent of me will still be accepted after the Euro holiday," he said.

With a positive attitude and high confidence, Antonio R\"udiger is ready to lead Germany in the face of a big challenge against Spain, while remaining focused on their main goal of winning the Euro 2024 title.