By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, July 12 (Xinhua) -- German football legend Paul Breitner (62) believes he knows what's behind the impressive World Cup campaign and the pragmatic will to win. Before the German team is about to take "the last step" in Sunday's final against Argentina, Breitner told XINHUA: "The key is the special Bayern mentality of so many players in the German team."
For Breitner, it is obvious that the "huge block of Bayern players are like a therapy for success" for Germany's game. "At Bayern there is only one thing that counts, to win every single game and title possible. No matter if you play spectacular football or have your worst game ever," Breitner told XINHUA.
"By the way that's my wish for Sunday's final. Win the cup, no matter how, by a dirty 1-0 in the last second, by penalties or I don't care how, but always go for gold."
"The German team showed us all, they know what counts - especially in your dark hours on the pitch. Even the decisive experience gained from two lost Champions League (2010/2012) finals is vital for Germany's mentality. They simply don't want to go through that again and know how to deal with finals," said the 1974 World Cup winner.
"What helps Germany now is the best squad in the world - the one at Bayern Munich," continued Bayern's brand ambassador. Indeed, no other club in the German Bundesliga affects the German team and the 2014 World Cup in general more than Bayern. Even in comparison with the so called big boys from international football - like Manchester United, Real Madrid or Barcelona FC - it is Bayern setting the benchmarks.
Nine Munich-players (seven in the German squad) such as Manuel Neuer, Philipp Lahm, Jerome Boateng, Thomas Mueller, Toni Kroos, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mario Goetze (Germany), Dante (Brasilia) and Netherland's Arjen Robben were involved in 2014 World Cups semi-finals. With so far 18 goals at the 2014 World Cup, they have scored more than any other club (including the goals scored by Mario Mandzukic (Croatia/2), Xherdan Shaqiri (Switzerland /(3), Julian Green (USA/1).
Other Germans played for Bayern in the past as well. Miroslav Klose (Lazio Rome) for four years (2007 - 2011), Lukas Podolski (Arsenal) for three years (2006 - 2009) and Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund) was at the Bayern academy from 1995 to 2007.
"What counts is to always strive to do a job to perfection," said 1972 European Championship winner Breitner to XINHUA. "It's what make's the difference between the German team and most 2014 World Cup participants. The Germans don't sit back and relax after winning a game - not even after one like the 7-1 mauling of Brazil. They don't want anyone to tap their shoulder for what has been done," said 48-cap Breitner.
Breitner sees the so called "mir san mia" mentality of Bayern (We have a special spirit) to have high impact in the German team. "If you talk about team spirit, it's not only the team that counts. You as an individual have to have the ambition to be the best in your position and then let the team benefit from your personal skills. You do not win anything when you constantly thinking about others."
Robben (Netherlands) and Shaqiri (Switzerland) in Breitner's opinion would be a good example for that. "First of all, it is up you to be something, then you and your skills can be part of an outstanding squad. Call it strength of leadership, or having the intelligence to make good decisions, it's vital that you take responsibility for your actions," explained Breitner.
He's optimistic for this Sunday's final, saying: "If the German team stays tuned and keeps it concentration levels high, I don't see how they could be beaten this Sunday, despite the fact that not always the best team wins the cup."
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