Veteran German striker Miroslav Klose expects Tuesday’s Euro 2012 qualifier here against minnows Azerbaijan will be tougher than the World Cup showdowns against Argentina or England.
“In terms of motivation, it is more difficult to face Azerbaijan than play Argentina or England, because everyone wants to play these big games and upset us,” said 32-year-old Klose in a news conference on Sunday.
“They will be very focused,” warned Klose who scored his 53rd goal on his 102nd appearance for Germany in the 1-0 win over Belgium in Brussels on Friday.
“For these nations, to play against Germany, is a huge deal and it is a unique chance for these teams to beat us.
“Azerbaijan are a very athletic team, they have the potential to hurt us.
“We struggled against them before, but the goal is to pocket three more points.”
Germany finished third at the World Cup finals and beat Azerbaijan home and away in their qualification group to help earn their place in South Africa.
They won 2-0 in Baku and 4-0 in Hanover in 2009.
