Germany desperate for World Cup title says Schurrle

Rio de Janeiro, July 5 (IANS) Andre Schurrle believes Germany's 1-0 victory over France Friday is proof that the team is capable of ending their near-quarter-century FIFA World Cup drought.

Joachim Loew's team will now play either Brazil or Colombia in Belo Horizonte Tuesday for a place in the final of football's premier event, reports Xinhua.

"We have this feeling. We are really close and you can feel that everybody wants it," Schurrle said.

"We have a big chance to win it. We have been close the last few years. We want this so much now. I hope we can do it."

Germany, three-time World Cup champions, have not won football's ultimate prize since 1990.

Since then, they have finished runners-up once, third twice and reached the quarterfinals twice.

Schurrle replaced Mirsoslav Klose with just over 20 minutes remaining at the Maracana stadium Friday. He made an instant impact by forcing two saves from France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

He admitted the team's opponent in the semifinal would benefit from the conditions and expected greater fan support.

"It's their continent. They are used to the conditions," the 23-year-old winger said. "But it doesn't matter who we play we will try to play our own game."

"We want to go to the final. That was our goal from the beginning."

Schurrle also paid tribute to former Chelsea teammate Frank Lampard, who ended his decorated career at Stamford Bridge last month.

"He is a big legend," Schurrle said. "It's very sad for our fans. But he achieved many things at Chelsea. Everybody loved him at the club and so did I. I feel honoured to have played with him.

"He was my idol when I was young and it was great to play with him for one year. I wish him all the best."