Germany are good enough to win the Euro 2008 tournament as they are the best team on the continent right now, the nation's football icon Franz Beckenbauer says.
Beckenbauer said in an interview published Monday on the website of the German football federation DFB that the team of coach Joachim Loew is "ready to win a title.
"The German team is currently the best and most consistent team in Europe," said Beckenbauer.
Germany qualified for the Euro finals last Saturday with a goalless draw in Ireland, leading the group with an unbeaten run in nine matches (seven wins and two draws).
Beckenbauer captained the team to the first of a record three Euro-titles in 1972. But Germany were eliminated in the first round at the last two editions after their so far last title in 1996.
Beckenbauer said that others like World Cup finalists Italy and France were struggling, but that he expects "all the so-called big teams" will be at the 2008 finals in Austria and Switzerland.
Germany had further improved after a third-place finish at the home World Cup last year, mainly due to Loew who took charge when Juergen Klinsmann did not renew his deal after the World Cup, he said.
"The team has taken another step in its development under him," said Beckenbauer, who joined those calling for a renewal of Loew's contract beyond 2008 until the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
"It would be good if Jogi Loew stays on. Right now their is no better man than him and his coaching staff," said Beckenbauer.
Beckenbauer captained Germany to the 1972 Euro and 1974 World Cup title. He coached Germany to another world title in 1990 and was the chief organizer of the 2006 edition.
Speaking on other issues, Beckenbauer expressed his confidence that Germany will win the right to host the 2011 women's World Cup, with the deciding vote of the ruling body FIFA set for October 30. The vote comes one month after the German women won back-to-back World Cup titles in China.
"It would be greatest reward for the women's team's fantastic performance in China if they could aim to defend their title at home in 2011," said Beckenbauer. dpa jb gb
