Euro 2008 / maxliu / 27 June 2008 / Leave a comment

The Germany manager believes the pressure is off now that his side have got over their semi-final block.

Germany manager Joachim Loew is in relaxed mood in the build-up to Sunday's Euro 2008 final with Spain.

Despite being unimpressive in their 3-2 semi-final victory of Turkey on Wednesday, Loew believes the pressure is off his side.

He said: " We are very happy. There is no pressure on us anymore and we are looking forward to the final."

He pointed out that Germany had become accustomed to failing at the semi-final stage in recent years and hinted that, having overcome that obstacle, his side will be less inhibited against Spain:

"It was our aim to get to the final. In the Confederations Cup in 2005 and the World Cup in 2006 we were knocked out in the semi-final. This time we have gone one step further. This very special and I am enjoying every minute of it."

Germany meet Spain in the final at Vienna's Ernst Happel stadium on Sunday (June 29). The Spanish were highly impressive in their 3-0 semi-final victory over Russia and they have overtaken the Joachim Low's side to become [2.46] favourites to lift the trophy.

Germany are [2.48] to win Euro 2008.