Intro:

Joachim Lowe praised Manuel Neuer's footballing ability on (3 July) ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against France and confirmed several players had overcome a virus in the last week and are available for the match.

Script:

SOUNDBITE: (German) Joachim Lowe, Germany coach:

"We will have to face off against a top team from France that play on the same level. They will play here in a stadium with a strong passion and this is a motivation for all of us. France have been stable in their performances so far and they are a very good team, but I think we are equal and we are going to go onto the pitch with a lot of self confidence."

SOUNDBITE: (German) Joachim Lowe, Germany coach: (on some of his players being ill)

"From yesterday until today, all players were able to train. They still have a slight cold, but there's no feeling of exhaustion. I just hope they all stay stable until tomorrow and we don't have any problems overnight."

SOUNDBITE (German) Joachim Lowe, Germany coach: (on Manuel Neuer):

"Manuel is a perfect player and has the same technical skills as the others. He could play in midfield and has a good sense of orientation. He has a feeling for distances and that is what makes him so valuable. That's why he can take risks. If we attack, he can push up the field too."