Euro 2012: Thomas Müller plays down Germany expectations

Thomas Müller claims there are unrealistic expectations of Germany as they bid to win their fourth European championship in Poland and Ukraine.

Joachim Löw’s side navigated the group stage with perfect record, finishing in first place ahead of Portugal, Denmark and the Netherlands, which set up a quarter-final against Greece on Friday.

Germany are now joint-favourites with Spain to win Euro 2012, with the three-time champions impressing since making the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2010.

Müller, 22, believes there is a lot more pressure on Germany to be successful in Poland and Ukraine than at the World Cup two years ago.

“Right now, we get the feeling that, were we to win Euro 2012, we ought to be ashamed of doing so,” said Müller.

“I know the expectations were high after the World Cup, but the two situations cannot be compared.

“Let’s remember too that we were not so stunning at the World Cup in the group stage, apart from the Australia game.

“Because the expectations are so high, mistakes are being looked for, but I think we have exceeded the expectations by getting nine points.

“The media are not really reflecting that and I hope we can start to build it up now.”

Müller insists the prospect of elimination by Greece has not been considered by he and his team-mates.

“Of course if we were to go out, we would have to accept it as there is nothing you can do, but we have not thought about it.

“Our train of thought is a successful one and losing does not come into it. It is unimaginable.”

Open a bet365 account with £10 or more and you'll get a free bet of up to £200 on us. Click here for more information.

Like The Sport Review on Facebook:

Read more on: Euro 2012, germany, greece, joachim low, thomas muller.