By Rune Gjerulff@runegjerulff

Löw: All teams want to dethrone us

Joachim Löw says Germany's position as defending champion give their opponents an extra motivational factor.
Joachim Löw.
Joachim Löw.Photo: Granada, CC-by-SA 4.0
Germany will be out to try to win the World Cup for the second time in a row in Russia. However, German national team coach Joachim Löw feels that the other teams will be very eager to defeat the defending champions.

"The other teams have improved since 2014. France have improved, Spain have improved, and so have Brazil and Argentina. If you're a World champion, Confederations Cup winner and have been number one in the world for three-four years, you're particularly hunted. Every team want to overthrow the defending champion," Löw says in an interview with the German Football Association and continues:

"To win the title, everything must fit. To a certain point, other factors play a role, because the teams are very similar in quality. You also need lucky on your side and to avoid injuries. You have to perform very well in each match, be wide awake and fully focused. You cannot afford to be weak. Otherwise, you will have to travel home quickly when you reach the knockout stages."

Germany have been drawn into Group F and are up against Mexico, Sweden and Korea Republic at the group stage.

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