Gerard Pique has told Germany there are "no favourites" when the World Cup reaches the semi-final stage.
The Spanish defender has been impressed with Germany's form on the way to the last four in defeating England 4-1 and then Argentina 4-0 in back-to-back games. But former Manchester United man Pique believes the European champions' never-say-die attitude could be crucial.
Pique, who now plays for Barcelona, said: "I feel so happy for the team and the country. It is the first time we are in the semi-finals and it is great to make history."
Years | Winners | Runner-up | Third place |
2006 | Italy | France | Germany |
2002 | Brazil | Germany | Turkey |
1998 | France | Brazil | Croatia |
1994 | Brazil | Italy | Sweden |
1990 | Germany | Argentina | Italy |
1986 | Argentina | Germany | France |
1982 | Italy | Germany | Poland |
1978 | Argentina | Holland | Brazil |
1974 | Germany | Holland | Poland |
1970 | Brazil | Italy | Germany |
1966 | England | Germany | Portugal |
1962 | Brazil | Czech | Chile |
1958 | Brazil | Sweden | France |
1954 | Germany | Hungary | Austria |
1950 | Uruguay | Brazil | Sweden |
1938 | Italy | Hungary | Brazil |
1934 | Italy | Czech | Germany |
1930 | Uruguay | Argentina | America |