Germany are so far the most impressive team at the World Cup and are better off without their injured captain Michael Ballack, Netherlands midfielder Wesley Sneijder said.
The Inter Milan player said he was glad that the Dutch can’t run into their long-time rivals until the late stages.
“The Germans have so far impressed me most,” Sneijder said after the Dutch won their opener 2-0 against Denmark.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Thank God we don’t yet have to think about them because we can’t meet them until the final,” he said, seemingly not aware that the teams may already meet in the semifinals.
Germany thrashed Australia 4-0 and received worldwide praise for their attacking game. The win came without the stalwart Ballack, who is missing the World Cup over an ankle injury.
“Maybe it is an advantage that Ballack isn’t there. Germany is better now, there is more speed in their game,” said Sneijder.
ADVERTISEMENT