Reus: ´We have big plans´

Marco Reus has warned Germany’s rivals they still have plenty of improvement in them after a 6-1 thrashing of Republic of Ireland.

The Borussia Dortmund star scored his team’s first two goals in Dublin as Germany made it three wins from three in their bid to qualify for World Cup 2014.

Reus was also adamant that he deserved a first-half penalty for a foul by John O’Shea.

“We have big plans,” he is quoted as saying by Sportschau.

“The coach prepared us very well. We were in control of the match from the beginning, but unfortunately chances were not forthcoming.

“In the first half, it was certainly a penalty. There’s no two ways about it.”

Marcel Schmelzer put in a far better showing for his country after a disastrous performance against Austria a month ago, but said that he did not let words of criticism affect him.

“I was pleased with Reus’ leadership, but the whole team supported me well. I will say nothing about the criticism before the game, but I’m happy about getting all three points here in Ireland,” he said.

“If I didn’t have so much support, I couldn’t have concentrated on the game properly.”

Bastian Schweinsteiger, meanwhile, saluted his defensive colleagues for dealing with Ireland’s aerial game, and believes his side are on their way to another major tournament.

“We put in a very focused performance. I think everyone did a fine job. For the defence, it wasn’t easy to deal with the long balls,” he said.

“We are well on our way.”