Germany's youngsters can beat Spain: Klose

Erasmia: The German kids are doing all right. They might even help Germany avenge that loss to Spain in the 2008 European Championship final.

"A few years ago people kept saying that, 'Isn't it a shame there aren't any new generations coming through? We've no forwards coming through, no creative midfielders coming through,' and everybody deplored that," veteran Miroslav Klose said Sunday, speaking through a translator. "But time has proved these people wrong."

Klose was part of the veteran German team that lost a very one-sided 1-0 final to Spain two years ago. But Wednesday's rematch in the World Cup semifinals will feature "different players, different squads" — and it will be to Germany's advantage, Klose said.

The youngsters have played a big part in the turnaround, Klose said, adding enormous quality and fresh attitude.

Mesut Oezil, who might have trouble getting playing time had Michael Ballack not been injured, has been impressive in setting up plays. Defensive midfielder Sami Khedira has had a big role in the stingy, disciplined defense that limited old rivals England and Argentina to a single goal — yes, one — in the knockout rounds. Thomas Mueller has scored four goals, tying him with Klose and three others for second-most in the tournament.

Mueller will miss Wednesday's quarterfinal, however, after picking up his second yellow card in the 4-0 dismantling of Argentina.

"Spain is still ruling supreme in Europe," Klose said. "But in terms of quality, I think we have improved — big time."

Germany routed its old foes, England and Argentina, by a combined score of 8-1 in the first two knockout-round games. But Klose said Spain will be the best opponent Germany has faced in South Africa, "surely better" than England and Argentina. Having a player like David Villa helps, of course.

Villa's late game-winner against Paraguay was his fifth goal at the World Cup, best of any player.

"He's left-footed, right-footed, technically gifted. He's almost as complete a player as Lionel Messi," Klose said. "He's a player that you have to combat against with a whole team, not just one defender."

Klose revealed that five goals is his target, too. He has four so far, and his 14 overall tie him with German great Gerd Mueller on the all-time list. Brazil's Ronaldo holds the record with 15 goals.

Klose said he spoke with Ronaldo after the 2002 final, when the Brazilian scored both goals in a 2-0 victory over Germany that gave Brazil its record fifth World Cup title.

"At the time, I would not have dreamed of ever coming close to him, needing two more goals to surpass him," Klose said. "I hope he's not too worried."

As for Klose, his only anxiety is over the speech he'll have to make to his teammates in honor of his 100th appearance for Germany, which he achieved in the game against Argentina. Klose managed to duck the tradition Saturday night after the team returned from Cape Town.

"I was really happy that no one noticed. Most of the players were either eating away or having a beer or two," he said. "Sooner or later people will be reminded, and I will have to come through and make that speech."