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Per Mertesacker eagerly anticipating Euro 2012 showdown with Arsenal team-mate Robin van Persie
Germany and Netherlands are set to face-off in Group B of next summer's tournament, and the former Werder Bremen man is confident Joachim Low's side can overcome Spain this time
15 Dec 2011 13:28:00
By George Ankers
Getty Images
Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker is eagerly anticipating his Euro 2012 showdown with team-mate Robin van Persie when Germany and the Netherlands clash in Group B next summer.
The European rivals go head-to-head on June 13 in Kharkiv and the centre-back admits that playing against the Dutch striker will be a tough prospect.
“He said he would be happy to see me next summer - that was the first thing he said after the draw,” Mertesacker told the club's official website.
“This is not a friendly though, it's a tough game and therefore both of us want to go through the group stage.
“It will be very tough to stop Robin. I think his best position is in the front, in the middle [as a striker]. There he can use his unbelievable skills. He is so reliable in scoring goals it is incredible.
“It's a good group; obviously it's one of the best at the Euros. I'm looking forward to playing those big teams and players like Robin.”
Germany were runners-up to Spain at Euro 2008, but the former Werder Bremen man believes that Joachim Low’s side can go one better next year.
“I think the last year with the 100 per cent qualification means we have had consistency in our game,” Mertesacker added.
“That's the whole point of the new Germany and the way we play, especially in the last 10 qualification matches.
“Some players in my age group have more than 80 games and that is good experience. But we also have players who are 19, 20, 21 - that's an age to be in good shape and that's what we need next summer.
“We have had many chances in the last three big tournaments. We went to two semi-finals and one final and that's good for us but if you get that far it's better to get the title. I think that's the main point for the next tournament.”
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The European rivals go head-to-head on June 13 in Kharkiv and the centre-back admits that playing against the Dutch striker will be a tough prospect.
“He said he would be happy to see me next summer - that was the first thing he said after the draw,” Mertesacker told the club's official website.
“This is not a friendly though, it's a tough game and therefore both of us want to go through the group stage.
“It will be very tough to stop Robin. I think his best position is in the front, in the middle [as a striker]. There he can use his unbelievable skills. He is so reliable in scoring goals it is incredible.
“It's a good group; obviously it's one of the best at the Euros. I'm looking forward to playing those big teams and players like Robin.”
Germany were runners-up to Spain at Euro 2008, but the former Werder Bremen man believes that Joachim Low’s side can go one better next year.
“I think the last year with the 100 per cent qualification means we have had consistency in our game,” Mertesacker added.
“That's the whole point of the new Germany and the way we play, especially in the last 10 qualification matches.
“Some players in my age group have more than 80 games and that is good experience. But we also have players who are 19, 20, 21 - that's an age to be in good shape and that's what we need next summer.
“We have had many chances in the last three big tournaments. We went to two semi-finals and one final and that's good for us but if you get that far it's better to get the title. I think that's the main point for the next tournament.”
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|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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14:09 BST -
One of my favourite parts of tournaments like these is seeing someone come out of nowhere to make an impact on the international scene. Juventus' Emanuele Giaccherini is hoping to be one of those having been a surprise, uncapped inclusion in the Italy squad - and good luck to him!
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