Kroos: Tactics not to blame for exit
Toni Kroos refused to blame tactical alterations for Germany's semifinal exit in 2-1 loss against Italy.
By ESPNSTAR.com staff
Germany coach Joachim Low came under fire for tinkering with the team tactics going into the match, but Muller believes that the changes were necessary in view of Italy's strengths.
"I did not necessarily have to play on the right wing," Kroos told Kicker. "Italy's biggest threat was coming from the centre.
"We did well by showing our game and the defeat has nothing to do with the tactical changes. We only did it to try to strengthen the centre of the midfield.
"If the opponents have a player like Pirlo in their ranks, you cannot be arrogant and say you do not care about him."
That match was the only appearance Kroos made in the competition. He admitted that he was expecting more, adding: "My expectations were completely different But I accepted it, I trained well and was always ready."
Kroos is determined to focus on the next major tournament with the 2014 World Cup qualification underway, where Germany will face Sweden, Republic of Ireland, Austria, Faroe Islands and Kazakhstan.
"Our goal now is to qualify for the World Cup," Kroos aded. "We want to have our chance there."
The 2014 World Cup qualifying begins on 7 September, where Germany will face Faroe Islands.