Lehmann is Germany's happiest World Cup spectator

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

BERLIN, June 22 (Reuters) Goalkeeper Jens Lehmann's first contribution to Germany's World Cup cause was to pick the ball out of the net twice against Costa Rica and after three matches he has still not had a chance to show what he can do.

Far from being concerned, the 36-year-old keeper said he was enjoying life as a spectator, albeit a slightly more active one than at the two previous World Cups he spent warming the bench.

''I'm not the one making headlines for spectacular saves but that's a good thing,'' Lehmann said at a news conference today. ''It would mean the defence was in trouble.

''I have to say I'm really enjoying it here. It's nice to be in goal and not on the bench, and to see the joy of the crowds.'' Lehmann took over the number one spot from Oliver Khan shortly before the World Cup, after being a non-playing squad member at the finals in 2002 and 1998.

His first game was not his finest hour, as Paulo Wanchope converted the only two chances that came Costa Rica's way during Germany's 4-2 success in the tournament's opening game.

He did not have a serious save to make in the next two games, a 1-0 win over Poland and a 3-0 stroll past Ecuador, but he can expect to have much more to do when Germany face Sweden in the second round back in Munich on Saturday.

The Swedes twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with England in their last Group B game, causing huge problems on set-pieces against defenders who are not exactly easy to intimidate.

''We know Sweden are very fast and strong but I'm optimistic,'' said Lehmann, who was famously sent off early in Arsenal's Champions League final defeat by Barcelona last month.

''We've grown as a team and we'll be hard to beat.'' Lehmann will be facing his club mate Fredrik Ljungberg but the keeper said he had no special tips for Germany's players.

''The coaching staff here are so well prepared they probably know more about him than me,'' Lehmann said. ''There have been no bets between us but I know he badly wants to score against me.'' Reuters DH GC1920

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