Ozil determined to learn harsh lesson from Madrid’s Champions League exit

Even before the Germans and Spanish reached the semi-finals, there was talk of a mouth-watering repeat of the Euro 2008 final in Kiev on Sunday.

But Ozil was part of the Real Madrid side who many tipped to set up a ‘dream’ Champions League final against Barcelona two months ago, only for Chelsea and Bayern Munich to spoil the party.

The semi-finals of Euro 2012 could conceivably witness a repeat, with Portugal having thrashed Spain the last time the two countries met and Germany having never beaten Italy in seven tournament meetings.

Their last encounter came at the same stage of the 2006 World Cup, where the Italians shattered German hopes of a home triumph before going on to lift the title themselves.

Ozil was, therefore, coy about discussing the prospect of a Germany-Spain climax.

“It would be wrong for me to say Germany against Spain would be a ‘dream final’,” said the midfielder.

“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?”

Despite Italy having proved Germany’s bogey team down the years, Ozil was unconcerned about facing them.

“Italy are very strong, they are technically superbly organised,” he said, refusing to dwell on his country’s past defeats. “If we play to our full potential then we’ll come up winners.”