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World Cup 2010: Germany captain Philipp Lahm - we lost to favourites Spain because we weren’t courageous enough
Defender disappointed by team's performance in defeat...
7 Jul 2010 23:20:00
By Harry Veal
Germany captain Philipp Lahm praised Spain after they ended his dream of lifting the World Cup trophy in Soccer City.
A second-half goal from Barcelona’s Carles Puyol was enough to see Spain reach their first ever World Cup final, and end the hopes of a youthful German side.
With a number of new faces, including goal-scoring sensation Thomas Mueller, many pundits weren’t expecting much from the Germans.
But impressive displays against England and Argentina in the knockout stages led to many thinking that Germany could lift the trophy.
However, it wasn’t to be and Lahm admitted that Spain were the better side in their semi-final.
"It was very difficult," said the Bayern Munich defender after the match.
"We knew Spain were a favourite to win the tournament. Spain is a very strong team.
The defender believes that his team’s inability to capitalise on their improved second half display was the reason for their defeat.
"We didn't play courageously enough in the first half. We had a chance in the second but weren't able to use it.
"It's a huge disappointment. We wanted to do a lot and didn't succeed."
| Bet: | Returns: | Spain £10.50 | Draw £90.00 | China £260.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Spain £11.00 | Draw £90.00 | China £230.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Spain £10.83 | Draw £100.00 | China £210.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Spain £10.80 | Draw £100.00 | China £260.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Spain £10.70 | Draw £122.00 | China £270.00 |
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A second-half goal from Barcelona’s Carles Puyol was enough to see Spain reach their first ever World Cup final, and end the hopes of a youthful German side.
With a number of new faces, including goal-scoring sensation Thomas Mueller, many pundits weren’t expecting much from the Germans.
But impressive displays against England and Argentina in the knockout stages led to many thinking that Germany could lift the trophy.
However, it wasn’t to be and Lahm admitted that Spain were the better side in their semi-final.
"It was very difficult," said the Bayern Munich defender after the match.
"We knew Spain were a favourite to win the tournament. Spain is a very strong team.
The defender believes that his team’s inability to capitalise on their improved second half display was the reason for their defeat.
"We didn't play courageously enough in the first half. We had a chance in the second but weren't able to use it.
"It's a huge disappointment. We wanted to do a lot and didn't succeed."
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