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Per - Team spirit can win us World Cup

Per Mertesacker believes that fostering a strong team spirit can play a major role in securing the World Cup for Germany.

Joachim Low’s side are among the favourites, and have reached two semi-finals and one final in their last three major international tournaments.

The Arsenal centre back is confident they can go one step further this time around, as long as they bond as a group on and off the pitch.

"We have to raise the team spirit as well, as that can always make a big difference when you know each other well and trust each other"

Per Mertesacker

“We are really looking forward to the tournament,” Mertesacker told Arsenal Player. “We have been consistent with second and third places over the last few tournaments. The expectation is huge because if you always get second or third place, you want to get to the top.

“On paper we have an outstanding squad and nearly every position has two players so that is big competition. The rivalry between the players will be high and tough, so maybe that gets us to the next level to achieve something.

“We have to raise the team spirit as well, as that can always make a big difference when you know each other well and trust each other. We can create team spirit but it takes some time.

“We have always been well placed over the last 10 years but the team spirit can take us one step further to the title. We have to go game by game and give better performances, and as well to build up the team spirit that is necessary to get something out of the tournament.”