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We Must Start With A Win - Lahm
Germany full-back Philipp Lahm is looking forward to playing a more responsible role as an established international in this summer's European Championship...

Lahm, still only 24, is a fully established international with the Mannschaft and now, as Germany gear up for their first game of Euro 2008 against rivals Poland din Klagenfurt on Sunday, he is eager to get off to a flying start. He of course provided that inspiration two years ago when, on home soil, he scored the first goal of the tournament - a screamer against Costa Rica - which propelled them as far as the semi-finals, where they fell to eventual winners Italy.

"The World Cup is now out of our heads, and the EURO is finally about to start. Naturally, it especially important that we start with a victory," declared Lahm.

"Before the World Cup, I had only been a professional for three years. Now I have gathered a lot of important experience in two years in Munich, and my voice has gained some weight in the team.

"Now I am more experienced, I need to take more responsibility. The tension is definitely rising, but that is normal. Every footballer who comes here is looking forward to the games finally starting."

On the prospect of being tournament favourites, the full-back replied: "We are just one of many teams who can win this tournament." And regarding criticisms of the team's defence and Lahm's Bayern Munich team-mate Bastian Schweinsteiger, Lahm replied: "I do not see any big problem in the defence and Bastian will find his form.

"He has always been there when we need him. He is a great player and we live off his ideas. He always puts in his best performances at big tournaments and has helped lead us to success."

And He 100% Right .. We Must Open The Tournament With A Good Win . !!