Beckenbauer Claims Only Germany Could Stop Brazil

German legend Franz Beckenbauer has claimed that only his German national team will be capable of stopping the Brazilians at the upcoming World Cup 2014. Brazil are regarded as the favourites to win the title due to the home support behind them. However, there are also other teams capable of achieving this glory and this includes the likes of Germany and Spain. Spain come into the World Cup as the defending champions while Germany have come under criticism for the repeated failures in major tournaments.

As a result, there is a lot of pressure on the young German team and manager Joachim Loew. Despite this, Beckenbauer claims that Germany will be able to lift the World Cup title, which would join them in the elite rank. Currently, Brazil have the world record when it comes to most number of World Cup titles won – five. Despite facing a tough says that includes the likes of Portugal and the USA, Beckenbauer says that Germany cannot only progress from the group, but also win the tournament itself.

The first major tournament for the Germans will be against Portugal, who have the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani in their ranks. If Germany win this match, then they would straightaway be considered as favourites for the knockout stages.

“I have seen Brazil play devastatingly well during the Confederations Cup. And they will be doing the same during the World Cup as well. Brazil can truly be challenged only by the Germans. However, I know that the teams that have won the Confederations Cup have never won the World Cup in the same year. So, in that respect, they have some problems. Otherwise, they will start as clear favourites. We have really a good side with (Bastian) Schweinsteiger and (Manuel) Neuer,” said the honorary president of Bayern.

Courtois Has Rivalry With Cech

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has stated that he cannot be in the same team along with goalkeeper Petr Cech since it would be unhealthy for both of them. Courtois has come on leaps and bounds in the last two years. Even though he has been a Chelsea player since 2011, he has spent all of his time at Atletico Madrid. After a mediocre first season, the young goalkeeper has been one of the best in the world with his impressive performances, which have started speculation that he will be fighting for the first-team spot at Chelsea from next season.

Courtois, though, has revealed that he does not want to be fighting along with Cech, who he thinks is the best in the world, since it would be unhealthy for both players. At just 22 years of age, Courtois says that he wants to play regularly in order to improve his game. There has been a lot of speculation that Courtois may make the move to Atletico Madrid permanent, but it has also been reported that Czech Republic’s number one stopper Petr Cech may be sold. At 32 years of age, he is in the prime of his career – for a goalkeeper.

Courtois still has two years left on his current contract and there have been discussions to extend it.

“I still have to talk to Chelsea to discuss my future. I want to have my future done quickly. Hopefully we can find an agreement for next season shortly. I have the biggest respect for Petr Cech, but I think putting me and him in the same team is not the healthiest thing. Neither of us would be happy to just play the FA Cup or League Cup. We need to talk about this and see what will happen,” said the youngster.