Swansea City keeper Gerhard Tremmel discusses Germany's hopes at the World Cup
11th June
There's just one day until the World Cup kicks off in Brazil, and we continue our build-up to the biggest sporting event on the planet.
Swansea City's interest will be focussed on the fortunes of Holland's Michel Vorm, Ivory Coast striker Wilfried Bony and South Korean midfielder Ki Sung-Yueng.
In the build-up to the tournament, we will bring you interviews with the Swans players involved in the the showcase along with members of Garry Monk's squad who are following the fortunes of their nations.
Following on from interviews with Michel Vorm, Wilfried Bony and Pablo Hernandez, today sees Gerhard Tremmel discuss Germany's chances of lifting the World Cup for a fourth time.
"We have a problem up front. Gomez has been injured most of the year, and Klose is the only striker going to the World Cup, so there is a lot of pressure on his shoulders. The team needs to help him by chipping in with goals, but his experience could be vital.
"The first game is crucial because if you don't win that then you must win the next one.
"I'm glad that we haven't got any South American teams in our group because they will have an advantage with the climate.
"Spain and Portugal will have an advantage over the other European teams because they will be more used to the climate and the language.
"But the likes of Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay will be the main contenders to win it."
Germany's hopes?
"It's a tough group, but I expect us to be top.
"In Germany we always say "we want to win it", but in terms of the quality of the German team reaching the semi-finals would be a good achievement."
Key man?
"We don't have a star name, but we have a squad full of very good players.
"Since Joachim Louw took over there is more of a team mentality in place.
"We have so many talented players and experience players too, but to pick one out is impossible."
Favourite World Cup moment?
"I was 12 years old when we won the World Cup in Italy in 1990. I probably didn't appreciate the importance of it, but it was a fantastic tournament.
"That was a great memory, but my most memorable was the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
"The quarter-final against Argentina went to penalties and Jens Lehmann pulled a piece of paper out of his sock and went on to save a few penalties for Germany to progress.
"It was a strange but special moment."
