Real Madrid legend and German national team star Toni Kroos is well-acquainted with many players on the Spanish national team, along with their style of play.
Kroos knows that this match will be won — or lost — by his position in the central midfield.
“We’ve studied Spain intensively. Such games are decided in midfield. Whoever wins the duels there always has a better chance of winning the game. Actions on the wings can also be a game changer. Germany and Spain are two teams that want to have the ball. It will be crucial how you act when you don’t have the ball. But we are prepared,” said Kroos (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “I believe that we have achieved a certain minimum goal. I don’t think you can look back and say it was a catastrophe. Of course, we as a team set ourselves the goal of winning the tournament. Our motivation in the dressing room is to go much further. We are convinced that we can do it.”
One of the key matchups in the game will be between Kroos and Manchester City defensive midfielder Rodri.
“He’s a top player, he was predestined to be a Pep player. The difference between us is that he’s clearly a No. 6. I tend to play in the half-spaces. I occupy different spaces. But in general we have a few things in common,” said Kroos. “I always think it’s good when coaches and players have the confidence to say something like that. I see it differently, but I like that they have confidence. They just have to show it on Friday. I see it as a 50-50 game. We are two very good teams. It will be decided in the details. I can’t say anything against Spain. They are playing well. We will see on Friday.”
Kroos was asked about statements made by Jens Lehmann, who said that Spain is lacking experience; a notion that Kroos did not agree with.
“No, that’s not representative, that is an expert’s opinion. Experts always have a slightly different opinion. Spain has shown that they have experience with Rodri, (Alvaro) Morata, Nacho, (Dani) Carvajal. What he (Lehmann) says is not true. We expect a very good Spain. They’re playing well, but so do we. It will be a great game,” Kroos said.
Kroos was also made aware that his Real Madrid teammate, Joselu, said that Spain wanted to send you into retirement on Friday, but the German was not fazed.
“It’s normal, they want to win the tournament. I will do everything I can to prevent that from happening. They are here to win, we are here to win. We will see what happens on Friday. I know him so I know how he meant it. The most important thing is that they did not want me to stop in Madrid. They are my friends,’ said Kroos.
Finally, Kroos was asked if this might be his final press conference duty as a footballer. Kroos, of course, had some fun with that response.
“I will miss this less than playing football, that’s for sure. I’m not nostalgic at all. I don’t expect Friday to be my last game, so I assume we’ll all see each other again,” Kroos remarked. “Of course (the thought of it being his last game) goes through your head, but it doesn’t bother me, it’s a motivation to think that it’s not the last game. I experienced that in the round of 16 against Denmark, but it didn’t worry me. It’s a motivation to hold out as long as possible. It was my decision, I know the situation and I can handle it. I want to hold out until the end and I’ll be happy without football, but I hope I can hold out a bit longer.”
Looking for more thoughts on Germany’s upcoming EURO 2024 quarterfinal match vs. Spain, along with our takes the transfer sagas surrounding Bayern Munich stars Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Kimmich, plus why the new front office sure looks like they are creating a leadership void? Then we have you covered with our Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show, which is available on Spotify or below: