MARSEILLE: Germany midfielder Toni Kroos said the pressure is also on hosts France when they meet in a mouthwatering Euro 2016 semi-final clash on Thursday that will set up a July 10 final with Portugal.
Kroos was an integral part of the Germany team that ousted France from the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup as Die Mannschaft romped to glory at the Maracana in Rio De Janeiro.
And he believes the pressure of France playing as tournament hosts could go against Didier Deschamps’ men as they bid to end a 58-year hoodoo against the Germans in major finals.
For Real Madrid midfielder Kroos playing against Didier Deschamps’ men will be “special”.
But he says the Germans, who have not suffered defeat to France in a major finals since a 6-3 mauling at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, have no fear. “I wouldn’t say fear is the word,” Kroos said in Marseille when asked his feelings on Les Bleus.
“We have a lot of respect for the France team as they’ve progressed during the tournament. Obviously playing against the hosts is special. But we’re afraid of nothing. “Until now I feel like our fans have been in the majority in the stadiums, I expect tomorrow it will be a bit less so.
“But we have good memories of this kind of atmosphere. We know we’re facing a quality side and they’ll be pumped up, but I’m sure they will also feel some pressure. “It’s up to us to capitalise.”
