Stielike: Germany do not need big changes

Jun 30, 2012 8:18:00 PM

The former Real Madrid midfielder and Euro 1980 winner feels that the national team's recent loss to the Azzurri can act as a learning curve to Joachim Low's young side

Former West Germany and Real Madrid midfielder Uli Stielike believes that Germany can come back stronger after their 2-1 defeat to Italy in the Euro 2012 semi-finals.

The Germans were hot favourites to lift the trophy, but a double from Mario Balotelli ensured that it would instead be the Azzurri going up against Spain in the final in Kiev on Sunday.

However, Stielike, who won the competition in 1980, feels that Joachim Low's young side can learn from the experience to bounce back, and doesn't feel major changes in the current set-up are needed.

	STIELIKE CORRECT?
4/7	Spain are 4/7 with Paddy Power to win the Euro 2012 final

"I don't think a revolution is necessary," he told dfb.de. "One should only think of a few corrections, and hopefully it's a learning process from which everyone can profit.

"These are normal developments. Mats Hummels for example made an error on the first goal. That's what can happen when you don't have experience at international level.

"Either way, the team has a lot of potential to grow. They maybe need one or two additional players brought into the team but massive changes are certainly not necessary."

When Balotelli opened the scoring for the Italians in Thursday's semi-final, it was the first time Germany had been behind in the competition, and Stielike feels that had a big impact on his fellow countrymen.

"The team was confronted with this situation for the first time in this tournament. They were trailing and had to chase the game. That was very difficult for them.

Germany head home after loss

"The rhythm you have when you're in the lead wasn't there anymore. In such circumstances, one or two players, in this case [Mesut] Ozil and [Toni] Kroos have to work hard and show different body language if they want to be leader figures."

"I don't see it as something dramatic and it's certainly not the end of the world. This is simply the reality when you're in the semi-final of a major tournament, where you meet only strong teams who are very equal in quality."

As for the final itself, Stielike feels it will be a close encounter but that Spain will just about have the edge to emerge triumphant.

"Before the Euros I predicted Spain to win but what the Italians have shown so far is that they can prevail as the outsider.

"That served them well against Germany too, and that's why they will also be difficult opponents on Sunday. I go with Spain although Italy have a real chance to win as well."

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 to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets
Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached!
Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET!