GRENOBLE, France, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Germany coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg on Friday expressed her hope on the team moving forward step by step ahead of FIFA Women's World Cup round of 16 match against Nigeria.
The world's second-ranked team tops Group B with nine points on offer, and will take on Nigeria, who is among best four third-ranked sides.
"We are getting prepared in a very detailed way as we do for any game," Voss-Tecklenburg told a pre-match press conference.
"We are very focused and have a very positive mood. We have a good training unit, heading towards a right direction.
"The game against South Africa made us develop and unfold. We are very aware that tomorrow there will be a knockout game, but it's not necessary to put this on the table again with this team. We have to make sure that we use the time left to get prepared in a very detailed way," Voss-Tecklenburg added.
Voss-Tecklenburg thought that Nigeria somewhat has strength physically.
"We knew about the importance of playing round of 16 for Nigeria, which is a great honor. Two African teams made it to stay further, which also has great importance for the African continent. We try to focus on our skill, ability and strength that we want to show tomorrow," she pointed out.
"We've analysed the opponent in a very detailed way. There are a lot spaces and areas that we are able to beat them. It's all about implementation and a positional game.
"One thing that Nigeria knows how to do is shifting the game. They know how to pass the ball to three threatening forwards.
"Nigeria had a good development. Many players went abroad to other teams. They already made one step in the right direction from football perspective. We are well prepared and it's all about implementing what we were preparing last time," she said.
The winner will face Sweden or Canada in quarterfinals. But Voss-Tecklenburg hesitates to ponder too much about possible future opponent deep into the tournament.
"We always try to go step by step. We have a difficult round of 16 ahead. From the match that we have already played, we feel there will be a challenge.
"We want to finish the match in a positive way, no matter whether the next opponent will be Canada or Sweden," she commented.
As for midfielder Dzsenifer Marozsan suffering a foot injury, Voss-Tecklenburg said the team tried to analyse her injury every single day.
"She will be part of today's training. We will see how her foot responds and keep all options open. Probably she will not be in the starting line-up. Anything else will be discussed and decided tonight," said Voss-Tecklenburg.
