Bierhoff Says Germany Ready for 2014 Challenges

Assistant Germany coach Oliver Bierhoff insists the three-time champions were ready for the 2014 World Cup challenge after being drawn in Group C with Sweden, Ireland, Austria, Faroe Islands and Kazakhstan.

Speaking to journalists after the draw in Rio, Bierhoff, representing coach Joachim Loew, who stayed behind in Germany, said he thought the Germans would rise to the task as they always have done in the past.

"We are pleased with our group. It is not that easy but we are very happy we didn't draw (unseeded) France," said the former striker whose goal won Euro '96 for Germany at Wembley.

"Now we have to get down to business. The players love playing in Ireland - it's always a great atmosphere. On paper they are behind Sweden but we see them as being as strong as Sweden.

"The pressure on the German national team is high every time. But we can do it. We are the favorites."

Germany are proud of their record at World Cups.

After not entering the inaugural tournament in 1930, they were then banned in the aftermath of World War II when Brazil hosted the event for the only time to date in 1950.

But since then they have lifted the Cup in 1954, 1974 and 1990 and were runners-up in 1966, 1982, 1986 and 2002.

They have additionally been placed third on four occasions - including both of the last two tournaments.

Aside from a 1938 first round exit, runs to the quarter-finals represent their worst showings.

Bierhoff confirmed that the German mentality of knuckling down to the task was a key reason why they have been so consistent.

"You have to be very focused. Teams are very close together. For no team it's easy to be first in the group. All teams want to go to the World Cup."

Football Association of Ireland chief John Delaney said he was looking forward to seeing his country take on the Germans.

Ireland, who missed out on a place at the 2010 finals after a controversial play-off loss to 1998 winners France, will only realistically expect to go down the playoff path again, Delaney admitted.

"Germany have got to be favorites (to win the group) but you wouldn't concede it. The last time we played them over two legs it was close," Delaney told Sky Sports News.

"Germany are a great team to play in the Dublin Aviva Stadium financially, with the television and advertising rights - but our main aim is to qualify for the World Cup.

"I've spoken to Giovanni (Trapattoni, the Ireland coach) he's pleased. He's managed in Germany and Austria so has a connection to both those countries."

Delaney said the defeat to France on the road to South Africa 2010, where Thierry Henry's handball goal knocked them out, was a thing of the past.

"The last World Cup is in the dustbin, it's about the next one.

"For us the main aim is to get out of the group, come here to Brazil and have the Irish supporters here with us.

"We've beaten the Faroes before, Kazakhstan is a long trip but that's the draw. Austria is very central and San Marino too."