Bastian Schweinsteiger: “We need a certain amount of aggressiveness”

Bastian Schweinsteiger has called upon his Germany teammates to show some fight during the course of its European Championship campaign. 

The Bayern Munich midfielder feels his nation must be aggressive in its approach, as well as playing attractive football over the course of this month's tournament. Under Joachim Low's tutelage, die Mannschaft have received universal acclaim for their free-flowing, attractive football, but the Bayern Munich midfielder claims they should also incorporate an aggressive edge to their game. 

“We need a certain amount of aggressiveness,” he told DFB.de. “You can win games not only by playing attractively. Therefore it's important that we show the 'German' virtues, as well as attractive play.” 

Finally, Schweinsteiger allayed any fears that he would not be sufficiently fit for the Portugal game, having sat out his nation's friendly with Israel because of a calf injury. 

The Euro 2008 finalists begin their bid for continental glory with a tricky fixture against Portugal on Saturday, a match the 27-year-old feels his side must win in order to set a positive tone for the rest of the tournament. Germany will also have to deal with Netherlands and Denmark if it is to progress to the quarterfinals of Euro 2012.

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