Germany lack a Pirlo-like figure in midfield, says former Austrian international Paul Scharner

Sep 9, 2012 1:55:00 PM

The 32-year-old believes that his compatriots can match Joachim Low's side on Tuesday, but remains disappointed over his ban from the national side

Former Austria international Paul Scharner has revealed his thoughts on his country's World Cup qualifier against Germany on Tuesday evening.

The Hamburg defender was unceremoniously thrown out of the national team last month after a bust-up with coach Marcel Koller following a disagreement on the 32-year-old's role in the team.

Nevertheless, the Austrian, who recently ended a six-year stay in the Premier League with Wigan and West Brom, believes his compatriots have a chance against the Euro 2012 semi-finalists.

"We have caught up. Many [of our players] are from the Bundesliga. Germany seems unsettled," the defender told Bild.

"They [Germany] lack a figure like [Andrea] Pirlo from Italy. We are ready."

Scharner also revealed his disappointment at being omitted from the national set-up, but insisted that he would not be involved in any war of words.

"I'm sitting at home on the sofa, and being sad that I'm not going. I had wanted Germany as an opponent. It's a great attraction for us Austrians," he explained.

"I will produce no mud-slinging. I'll just check legally if [whether the life ban set by the Austrian FA] is even possible."

Austria welcome neighbours Germany in the second round of matches in World Cup qualifying Group C on Tuesday. Kick-off at the Ernst-Happel Stadion in Vienna is at 20:30CET.

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