The World Cup's top-scorer Miroslav Klose has threatened to abandon his strict fitness regime to become a 'party animal' if Germany wins Sunday's final against Argentina.
The 36-year-old is the sole survivor from Die Mannschaft's last World Cup final in 2002 and is eager to taste victory at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana Stadium in his fourth World Cup finals.
He scored a record 16th World Cup goal, his 71st for Germany, in Tuesday's 7-1 semi-final rout of Brazil.
The Poland-born striker is poised to win his 137th cap in Rio and says all his focus is on Argentina -- but the World Cup title may stir his inner party animal.
"I can't really guarantee anything, but if we do win the trophy, I can imagine that I will relax and there is a party beast, even in me," he quipped Thursday.
But 12 years after losing the 2002 final, the last thing the veteran wants is to add Rio heartache to the bitter defeat in Yokohama.
"We enjoyed the win against Brazil, but we ticked it off after 24 hours," said Klose.
"In the next game, we have to again play to the best of our abilities.
"It feels really awful to lose a final, so it's our time to win this one."
A diligent trainer, Klose puts his career longevity down to his daily fitness regime, and has a gym in his home.
Having made his debut in 2001, he equalled, then broke Ronaldo's record of 15 World Cup goals during Brazil 2014. But Klose said it will all count for nothing if Germany lose to Argentina.
"It's a hugely emotional thing for me, but people who know me, know that my focus is already on Argentina -- 100 percent," he said.
"Yes, I have overtaken Ronaldo as the best goal-scorer, but that is something to take on board another day.
"If we lose the final, my joy as the top-scorer will be significantly dampened."
Despite having witnessed Brazil's Ronaldo score both goals in their 2-0 victory, Klose said he will not use the 2002 defeat as motivation.
He says the current squad are unified in their desire to become world champions.
"That was 12 years ago and I was really young, then as now, I just try to soak everything up, but you can't compare the two matches," said Klose.
"Each match is unique, especially for a final.
"The key factor here has been the performances in training.
"You see the degree of respect and commitment the squad has for each other.
"There is no 'B team' or 'A team', where the first team are sure of their places, and there is little difference between the guys on the bench and those on the pitch.
"'Team spirit' is not an empty expression, no one is begrudging towards the others.
"They are all very professional and mature, even if some of them are only 25 or 26."
'Fantastic Messi'
This is the sixth time Germany will meet Argentina at the World Cup and the third time in the final.
Klose scored twice when Germany won the most recent World Cup meeting as Diego Maradona-coached Argentina were routed 4-0 at South Africa 2010.
Germany lost the Mexico 1986 final 3-2 to Argentina, then took revenge four years later by winning the Italia 1990 final 1-0 when Argentina finished with nine men in Rome.
Argentina legend Maradona played in both matches, but Klose insists neither has any relevance now.
"You can't really make comparisons, Maradona was one player, but (Lionel) Messi is just as fantastic and they are absolutely on a par," said Klose.
"We have to come up with a few surprises of our own and I am just looking forward to an exciting game, which will be marked by tactics and a bit of trickery."
AFP
Fri Jul 11 2014
Germany's forward Miroslav Klose celebrates after scoring during the semi-final football match between Brazil and Germany at The Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on July 8, 2014. - AFP Photo/Adrian Dennis
The battle to reduce road deaths
In Malaysia, over half a million road accidents have been recorded so far this year.
Pro-Palestinian NGOs seek court order to stop Dutch arms exports to Israel
The Dutch state, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, has a duty to take all reasonable measures at its disposal to prevent genocide.
How quickly can Trump's Musk-led efficiency panel slash US regulations?
Moves by Trump and his appointees to eliminate existing rules will be met with legal challenges, as many progressive groups and Democratic officials have made clear.
2TM: Consultations on PTPTN loans, admission to IPTA at MOHE booth
Consultations on PTPTN loans and admission to IPTA are among services provided at the Higher Education Ministry booth.
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.