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Lahm urges Germany’s new generation to step up

Joachim Loew’s squad will fly from Frankfurt airport in the world’s largest passenger plane, a Lufthansa Airbus A380, as the Germans look to add the 2010 World Cup title to their previous successes in 1954, 1974 and 1990.

Loew is taking the youngest German squad to a World Cup for 76 years, with an average age of just under 25, and after a deluge of injury withdrawals, including losing captain Michael Ballack, expectations are low.

But boosted by the experience of Bastian Schweinsteiger, striker Miroslav Klose and defenders Arne Friedrich and Per Mertesacker, new skipper Lahm believes the next crop of Germany stars are capable of stepping up.

‘Our generation is now ready,’ said Lahm, who has been handed the captain’s armband after Ballack’s ankle injury last month ruled him out.

‘I had a good feeling before the 2006 World Cup finals, but I have an even better feeling now.’

The new captain scored the equaliser as an impressive second-half display saw Germany fight back from a goal down to beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 3-1 on Thursday in their final warm-up game before the South African tournament.

Lahm’s deputy Schweinsteiger also netted two penalties as Germany produced a stellar team display in which playmakers Mesut Oezil and Marko Marin looked exceptionally dangerous.

Germany’s departure at 2030 local time (1830GMT) on Sunday will be the maiden flight for the Lufthansa Airbus and Loew said his side also need to make their mark in South Africa.

‘The potential is great,’ said Loew, whose decision on whether or not he extends his contract beyond the end of the tournament will be largely decided by his side’s performance.

‘We have a good team with a tremendous will and there is a good atmosphere in the squad. Everyone has shown a lot of passion in training, so I am sure we will produce some good performances. I have complete confidence.’

Injuries to Ballack, midfielders Christian Traesch and Simon Rolfes, plus defender Heiko Westermann and goalkeeper Rene Adler, mean Germany’s hopes of winning their first title for 20 years have been dented, but Lahm is positive.

‘We certainly won’t have the best player in South Africa, but we will have a very good team,’ said Lahm.

‘People will have to beat us first and everyone knows that will not be easy.

‘So that gives me some confidence and our main goal is to reach the semi-final. If we achieve that, of course we will want more.’

Having netted against Bosnia, Lahm has high hopes of German success in South Africa and the self-confessed plane enthusiast is looking forward to travelling in style.

‘This is a really exciting affair,’ said Lahm of the Airbus’ maiden flight.

‘I’ve heard so much about the new aircraft. I feel it is something very special that we can make the maiden flight.’

The Germans’ flight lands in Johannesburg at 0710 (0510BST) on Sunday, with their first training session scheduled for Monday afternoon and their opening Group D game against Australia to take place on June 13 in Durban.