Former Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has said he is confident in the Euro 2024 hosts' chances against “inexperienced” Spain in their quarter-final clash on Friday, prompting an angry reaction in the Spanish media.
The match between Spain and Germany in Stuttgart, Germany, is billed as a clash between the two best teams in the tournament so far.
However, Lehmann, who played 61 times for Germany, including the defeat to Spain in the Euro 2008 final, and is now a commentator on German television, highlighted what he said were weaknesses in the Spanish team.
“We have seen the good results [Spain] “Certainly in the group stage,” he told Welt TV. “Technically, they can be better than us, but they are small in stature and have no experience.
“They are a team of kids. They have very young players. They don't have much international experience.”
These comments have not gone down well in Spain. On Wednesday, the front page of the country's main sports daily, Marca, read: “Lehmann, the historic German goalkeeper, is another who does not take us seriously.”
Spain were the only team to collect maximum points in the group stage, winning all three of their matches against Croatia, Italy and Albania in Group B, without conceding a goal.
Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal, 16, has shone in attack for the Blaugrana team so far, as has Athletic Club's Nico Williams, 21.
Hosts Germany topped Group A, starting the tournament with a 5-1 win over Scotland, beating Hungary 2-0 and then drawing 1-1 with Switzerland.
“It's another opinion, it's respectable, but we don't share it,” said Spanish striker Mikel Oyarzabal on Tuesday, when asked about Lehmann's comments. “We know that we are a group that forms a great team. People will have their reasons for saying what they think, but it doesn't affect us.”
