Mertesacker plays down Germany defeat

Mertesacker plays down Germany defeat

Published May. 27, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

Germany defender Per Mertesacker remains confident of Euro 2012 success despite the team's 5-3 friendly defeat to Switzerland.

Arsenal man Mertesacker and Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels formed an unsteady central defensive partnership as the Swiss triumphed in Basel on Saturday night.

But with the European Championship almost a fortnight away, Mertesacker is not panicking and expects Joachim Low's team to come good.

He told Sky Sports News on Sunday: "Yesterday was very disappointing for us but we're looking forward to the tournament.

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"It's in two weeks and we'll be in good shape I think."

Portugal, Denmark and Holland stand in Germany's way in Group B, from which only two teams will advance to the knock-out stage.

Germany were runners-up to Spain at the 2008 European Championship and then reached the 2010 World Cup semi-finals.

"It's the toughest group in the Euros but we have great experience in the last few tournaments," Mertesacker said, "therefore we are very confident and hopefully we can do a good job."
 

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