Warsaw, Jun 26: Germany playmaker Mesut Ozil admitted that their Euro 2012 semi-final opponents Italy are a quality side, but is confident that he and his team will beat them and qualify for the finals.

Italy sealed their semi-final berth after beating England on penalties on Sunday, but the Azzurri may be called the underdogs against the in-form Mancshafft, who have a 100 percent winning record in the tournament and have also been the highest scorers at Euro 2012.

Germany, however, have never beaten Italy in a major tournament, but Ozil believes Italy jinx will be ended in Warsaw on Thursday, with a place in the final against either Spain or Portugal.

"The past does not matter. "The other teams have great respect for us. Our goal is to bring the European title back to Germany. We are here for this. We can beat Italy and we want the title," Ozil said.

"Andrea Pirlo is a world-class player, Mario Balotelli is a great striker. But we do not think of the individual adversaries. Italy are a very compact team, but we can beat them," the Real Madrid player said.

In case Germany and Spain progress, it would be a repeat of the Euro 2008 final and 2010 World Cup Semi-final. But Ozil insisted his focus is currently on Italy and is not thinking about playing against La Roja.

"It would be wrong for me to say Germany against Spain would be a 'dream final'. There are four teams in the semi-finals and we need to make the next step, which also applies to Spain."

"We're fully concentrated on Italy and Italy only, and only then will we see who we play against. At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter, does it? Whether it's Spain or Portugal."

The Los Blancos playmaker has been vital for Germany, both in qualification and the tournament itself with three assists and is pleased with his efforts so far especially in the 4-2 win against Greece.

"I was immensely happy to have shown what I can do at last. I will demonstrate in the game against Italy that I can put my foot on the pedal," he said.

OneIndia News