Schweinsteiger: Barcelona and Spain the ideal example for Germany

Jun 14, 2012 5:00:00 PM

The versatile midfielder has underlined the importance of having a solid defence if a team wants to go far at the European Championship

Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has voiced his opinion that the defensive work of Barcelona and Spain is the ideal example for other teams to follow.

The Bayern Munich skipper feels that a solid defence is the key to success at Euro 2012, and stated that it is crucial to focus on the shape of the rearguard even when in possession.

"If you look at the ideal example, Barcelona or Spain, you can see how good their defenders are at setting up, even while they still have possession. That is perfect defending," Schweinsteiger was quoted as saying on the official Uefa website.

"The teams that defend well in this tournament will go far. In many situations when you are attacking, you already have to start thinking about what happens once the ball is lost.

"As a defensive player, you already have to watch the opposing attackers and ask yourself what could happen when the ball is lost."

Germany sit top of Group B with six points from two games, and a draw in the match versus Denmark on Sunday will be enough to reach the quarter-finals as group winners.

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