Thomas Christiansen is currently busy as national coach at the Copa America with surprise quarter-finalists Panama. Nevertheless, he still finds time to follow the European Championship
As an ice-cold center forward, Thomas Christiansen once became the Bundesliga top scorer with 21 goals in the VfL Bochum jersey. In the meantime, the 51-year-old has arrived in Panama as national coach and was able to cause a big surprise at the Copa America. With the “Canaleros”, he left the hosts USA behind in the group stage and secured a historic place in the quarter-finals. At the same time, Christensen, who was born in Denmark but has Spanish citizenship, always has one eye on the European Championship – and is particularly looking forward to the quarter-final between Germany and Spain, for whom he has played two international matches.
Thomas Christensen, you’re in the middle of the Copa America with Panama. Is there any time left for the European Championship?
“I watched a few games in between analyzing our own opponents. I also watched the game between the German national team and Denmark. I didn’t enjoy the Danes so much because they drew three times in the group stage without putting in a great performance. Anything can happen in the knockout stages, but Germany were better and won the game with control. “
For me, Germany and Spain are the absolute favorites. It’s a shame that they’re playing each other so early.
Thomas Christiansen
Germany and Spain will now face off in the quarter-finals. What kind of game are you expecting on Friday evening?
“For me, Germany and Spain are the absolute favorites. It’s a shame that they’re playing each other so early. They are the two best teams in terms of play and quality, so it will be a great game for spectators.”
What’s in favor of Germany, what’s in favor of Spain – and who will prevail in the end?
“I expect an attacking game from both sides. Both will try to win the game with the clear idea that both teams have. It’s difficult to say who will come out on top. In my opinion, Germany are physically stronger, but I really like the new players who have come into the Spanish squad. For example, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams on the wings. The one who makes the fewest mistakes will win the game.”
For you, Panama continue their campaign against Colombia on Saturday night. What are the chances of another surprise?
“The last time we made it to the quarter-finals was when we beat Bolivia. That was something special and historic here in Panama. We’ve never achieved that before and the whole country is happy about it. It will now be very difficult against Colombia, because they are one of the favorites. In my opinion, they are one of the three best teams at the moment alongside Argentina and Uruguay. But we will do everything we can to win. There are only 90 minutes in the quarter-finals and then it’s straight into a penalty shoot-out. Hopefully we’ll make it, but it will be very difficult.” with gp