The sleepy eyes did not hide the determination behind the stare when Mesut Ozil suggested Euro 2012 would be a failure were Germany to return empty-handed (Germany 13/8 joint favourites – Euro 2012 outright).
Die Mannschaft must first plot a way to beat semi-final opponents Italy for the first time in eight attempts at a major tournament if they are to be crowned European champions for a fourth time (Germany 2/5 – To Qualify).
Key to their chances will be Real Madrid playmaker Ozil, who has rightly been lauded for a number of eye-catching performances and is a generous 9/1 in the First and Last Goalscorer markets.
Victory at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev on Sunday will also be the culmination of a master-plan which was underpinned by the promotion of youth.
Not content with being the only nation with a 100 per cent record left in the tournament, Ozil said Germany would not be satisfied unless they realised their dream.
“We knew before the tournament that we had a strong team,” said the 23-year-old. “We believe in ourselves and the goal is to return to Germany with the title. That’s why we are here and I’m convinced we can do it.”
“No one can stop us now” is the view of newspaper Bild, while Germany captain Philipp Lahm reiterated the side’s mission statement.
He said: “So far we have rewarded ourselves for our hard work in the last few years and weeks. But we have always maintained that we want to play the final on Sunday. We want to win it and want to stay here until the very end.”
Germany no longer enjoy the space they were afforded at the 2010 World Cup, nor are they untouchable (Italy 7/4 – To Qualify).
A 5-3 defeat by Switzerland before the Poland and Ukraine showpiece highlighted flaws in defence, still evident given that Germany have conceded in their three games since keeping a clean sheet against Portugal in their Group B opener.
But with experience comes maturity and this is a Germany side packed with pace and power, complemented by the excellent midfield general Sami Khedira.
The Real Madrid enforcer provides the platform in a tried and trusted 4-2-3-1 formation for the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Ozil, et al to unlock a door.
“He has become a real leader; he is very good, very dynamic, very present,” said coach Joachim Loew. “It is good for the others that he’s there.”
Loew, who rested heavyweights Mario Gomez, Lukas Podolski and Thomas Muller against Greece, has said Germany do not intend to sit back against the Azzurri and will look to dictate.
No doubt with Ozil at the forefront.
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