Franz Beckenbauer declared that the whole of Europe are afraid of Germany's winning mentality, and that is because of this Joachim Low's side will reach the final of EURO 2008.

Pleased after the victory over Portugal, Beckenbauer insisted that Germany are a team who rise to the big occasion, and that their "winning mentality" is recognised all around Europe.

"We have it (a winning mentality). It has been registered in Europe and everyone is afraid of this," he stated.

According to Beckenbauer, the first half an hour against Portugal was the best football a German side has demonstrated in a very long time, and he feels Joachim Low's side have taken an important step towards a possible final appearance.

"We have eliminated Portugal, who were one of the favourites after shining in the first round like almost no other team," the Bayern Munich legend said. "But that is typical of these tournaments: those who start off much too well don't end up going very far."