Schweinsteiger: I'm red lucky to get second chance

Jun 22 2008 By Mark Guidi

HONEST Bastian Schweinsteiger admits he let Germany down by getting sent off against Croatia - but he's determined to make the most of his second chance by inspiring his country to Euro glory.

The Bayern Munich star was sent packing for raising his hands to Croatia's Jerko Leko in a 2-1 group stage defeat - a result that left Germany's qualification hopes in the balance.

But Schweinsteiger's team-mates beat Austria in his absence to line up a quarter-final clash with Portugal and boss Joachim Low showed great faith in the 23-year-old by handing him a shock start on Thursday night.

The midfield ace responded in style as he scored the opener then set up goals for Miroslav Klose and Michael Ballack in the 3-2 win.

Now Schweinsteiger hopes he can repeat that stunning form to take the Germans all the way to victory in the final next Sunday.

He said: "I didn't start our first two group matches and that left me disappointed. But I came on in the first game with Poland and made an impact.

"The coach also put me on in the next game against Croatia and I also made an impact - but for negative reasons.

"There is no excuse for my actions that night. I let my team-mates down and apologised for my reaction.

"I felt I was having a disappointing tournament then it all took off against Portugal. That was a great night.

"The team got us into the quarters by beatingAustria and the players were nervous that night. There is a lot of rivalry between the countries - a bit like Scotland and England.

"We got the goal we needed and that gave us the chance to perform against the Portuguese.

"It was one of my best games for Germany and I hope I can keepmy place for the semi-final."

Schweinsteiger was a key man at the last World Cup when he helped the Germans romp to the last four.

But they came unstuck against Italy and the Bayern ace wants to avoid more heartache this time.

He said: "We've won this tournament three times and I want us to do it again.

Winners are remembered for a long time and find a place in history books.

"I want to win thismajor prize and it would be the highlight ofmy career. We have another level to reach and are building nicely towards our peak."

Schweinsteiger feels less pressure this time than two years ago when Germany were the host nation.

They performed well under Jurgen Klinsmann at that tournament but Low has now taken over and has his troops ready to reach the ultimate high.

Schweinsteiger - who could win his 55th cap on Wednesday - said: "It was fantastic to work under Klinsmann.

"He is one of the best footballers to come out of Germany and is also a wonderful person.

"We were sorry to see himleave but delighted Joachim took over and he has done well."

Schweinsteiger had a below-par season by his own high standards at Bayern where he burst on to the scene as a teenager in 2002.

Back then boss Ottmar Hitzfeld threw him into a Champions League clash against Lens after just two first-team training sessions and Bastian made an immediate impact - setting up a goal for Markus Feulner.

Yet football isn't his only talent. At 14 he was a champion downhill skier and had to choose between the two sports.

Opting for football has paid off handsomely and he said: "As a boy you like to try different things to see what gives you enjoyment.

"Football was always going to be my sport and I feel lucky to be involved at such a high level.

"You are treated well by the fans and want to make them happy.

Sometimes you do, sometimes you don't. At the moment we are doing fine and can keep getting better.

"The team is playing well and when we have Lukas Podolski in the sidewe always have a chance of winning.

"He is an exceptional talent and a pleasure to play with. But we all look good - from Jens Lehmann through to Ballack and Klose.

"I just hopewe can keep it up and get to the final."