Soccer: Tensions high among Germany squad

Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has revealed being World Cup hosts has had a negative influence on team spirit in Jurgen Klinsmann's squad.

The Arsenal custodian was part of Rudi Voller's squad that progressed to the final in Japan and South Korea four years ago, but revealed the pressure of being hosts has made it more difficult to recreate the team spirit of 2002.

"The atmosphere (on the team) back in 2002 was almost better because we were left to ourselves down there in South Korea and Japan and there was nothing that could divert our attention," explained Lehmann.

"Everything here is fantastic but it is different in Germany with all the euphoria.

"This World Cup is perfect for us as players in terms of organisation and locality. We have a great hotel and even get some time off.

"But in Japan you had to stay among ourselves all the time and given those circumstances the social interaction was very good."

Lehmann admits that a penalty shoot-out is a distinct possibility in the quarter-final clash with Argentina in Berlin early tomorrow morning (NZ time).

"You always have to take it into consideration but I cannot give you the probability," he stated.

"If both teams play as organised as they have done before then it is a possibility."

The 36-year-old is well aware of the threat Argentinian playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme possesses, having faced the Villarreal man in the Champions League semi-finals last season.

However, despite saving a last-minute Riquelme penalty in the second leg in Spain to secure a goalless draw that sealed Arsenal's place in the final, Lehmann insists he cannot predict what Riquelme would do if he were to take another penalty.

"I am no clairvoyant." insisted Lehmann.

"I know that he (Riquelme) is an extraordinarily strong player whom I have met twice in recent weeks - once in a home match in London where he was not that strong, but therefore much more strong in the return leg.

"We know about his qualities and his importance for Argentina. But tomorrow will be an away game for him."

Meanwhile, Lehmann insisted he had no interest in discussing Germany number two goalkeeper Oliver Kahn's comments that Lehmann had snubbed his offer to go out for a beer, because "Jens lives in his own cosmos during the tournament".

Lehmann insisted he has more important matters on his mind.

"I have just heard about that and please understand that I do not want to speak about that today just before the match. All that matters is the match," he said.

- REUTERS