Steffen Potter in Gdansk Germany team reporter article

More from the German papers and Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitunghas pronounced that the four 
strongest teams have made it into the semis. "What can be learned of that? Firstly, that the best teams have learned how to pace themselves better than in the tournaments before. Secondly, that their tactical and technical edge has grown and allows them to outplay weaker teams and beat them. In this regard, the tournament mirrors the Champions League. Stars from Barça, Real or Bayern are the core of the top teams: Spain, Portugal and Germany."

FAZ also have an interesting interview with Mats Hummels in which he says: "[Italy] have given one of the best tournament performances so far in the 1-1 draw against Spain – they also have outstanding players. When individual class is paired with very good team tactics, then such a team are always difficult to beat." Regarding his own ascent at UEFA EURO 2012, Hummels said: "I know how I can play. I am convinced of my ability. But my international performances have always been criticised. That's why it's nice to show it wasn't necessarily my fault if we haven't played well."

Several German papers have run articles on "Bogey team Italy", as Bildputs it. However, the tabloid is optimistic: "The record is deceiving. Those games were tight almost every time – it's time for something 
to change." Süddeutsche Zeitung writes: "Before the semi-final against Italy, many are experiencing growing nervousness. Germany has never won a competitive match against Italy. All seven wins in 30 matches were insignificant". SZ then goes on to document "A remembrance of German pain" in photos.

Earlier today I had the pleasure to do a one-on-one interview with Germany's Marco Reus at the team hotel here in Oliwa. He was relaxed and confident. So much so, in fact, that when I asked him if some of the older and more experienced players gave him advice from time to time, he said that they did but that the younger players like himself returned the compliment – perhaps an indication of the egalitarian ethos in the Germany camp. The full interview will follow tomorrow ...