Dietmar Hamann: 'Germany and Holland are evenly matched'
© PA Photos
Dietmar Hamann has said that he believes Germany and Holland are two evenly-matched sides.
The former Germany international also claimed that he is expecting an extremely tight affair in the Group B clash.
Holland are desperate for the win after their shock 1-0 defeat to Denmark in the opening game, whereas Germany are looking to secure qualification as soon as possible. Hamann pointed towards Holland's midfield two of Mark Van Bommel and Nigel De Jong as the strongest area for Bert van Marwijk's side.
"I think that they are pretty evenly matched," said the former Liverpool midfielder.
"As I said before I think part of the reason Holland did well in the World Cup is they've been hard to beat and very stubborn. De Jong and Van Bommel are one of the best partnerships in centre midfield.
"Whoever plays; Schweinsteiger and Khedira, maybe Kroos, will need to compete against De Jong and Van Bommel because this is where the pace is dictated and where the battle is won or lost.
"It will be a lot of pressure and responsibility on the midfield partnership to compete against De Jong and Van Bommel."
Hamann retired from the Germany international side in 2005.
The former Germany international also claimed that he is expecting an extremely tight affair in the Group B clash.
Holland are desperate for the win after their shock 1-0 defeat to Denmark in the opening game, whereas Germany are looking to secure qualification as soon as possible. Hamann pointed towards Holland's midfield two of Mark Van Bommel and Nigel De Jong as the strongest area for Bert van Marwijk's side.
"I think that they are pretty evenly matched," said the former Liverpool midfielder.
"As I said before I think part of the reason Holland did well in the World Cup is they've been hard to beat and very stubborn. De Jong and Van Bommel are one of the best partnerships in centre midfield.
"Whoever plays; Schweinsteiger and Khedira, maybe Kroos, will need to compete against De Jong and Van Bommel because this is where the pace is dictated and where the battle is won or lost.
"It will be a lot of pressure and responsibility on the midfield partnership to compete against De Jong and Van Bommel."
Hamann retired from the Germany international side in 2005.
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