BERLIN, June 21, 2006 (AFP) - Jurgen Klinsmann says World Cup hosts Germany now command the respect of the other top footballing nations and are happy to live with their billing as one of the tournament favourites.
Germany defeated Ecuador 3-0 on Tuesday to top group A after three consecutive victories and Klinsmann believes his team is beginning to regain respect after a slump over the past few years.
At the Euro 2004 finals in Portugal Rudi Voller's Germany side crashed out at the group stage without winning a single match, but Klinsmann is restoring some faith in the national team.
"It was a great win and I think it will help us get respect from opponents," Klinsmann said.
"We have no problem if coaches or journalists say we are one of the favourites. We are at home, have a good team and want to get to the final."
Klinsmann has set the ultimate target of lifting the trophy in Berlin on July 9 but acknowledges there will be tougher tests along the way.
Germany coasted through a group containing Costa Rica, Poland and Ecuador but are now focussed on the knockout phase.
"We are happy to win this group. To win three matches in a row boosts our ego. The team is growing and it is really positive," Klinsmann declared.
"The World Cup really starts now. There will be much tougher tasks ahead of us now and we will have to think about games more mentally.
"This win gives more confidence to the team and makes them more hungry. But we are under no illusions we have a long way to go yet.
"We will not get carried away and just prepare for the last 16. We will just see what happens. The first round went well and we will take each knockout game as it comes.
"Hopefully we have five games more to play."
Germany must navigate five matches to reach the final starting with a last 16 match against Sweden in Munich on June 24.
The hosts were delighted to get the chance to play their second round match at Munich's intimidating Arena where they beat Costa Rica 4-2 in their opening match.
"It is nice to play in the big stadia in Munich and Berlin as we already know them," Klinsmann admitted.
"Obviously when we play at home the fans are exceptional. Playing in front of 70,000 fans pushes the players on. It is World Cup fever."
Germany captain Michael Ballack was also delighted with the win and believes a second consecutive clean sheet is a sign that the defence has improved just in time for the knockout phase.
"I think we have improved defensively but we know games will be difficult in knockout phase where every error can be punished," Ballack said.
"The knockout games will be a lot more difficult than these group games. We have to forget about what happened and concentrate on them."
Ballack is Germany's main attacking weapon from midfield but has been playing deeper to provide the team with a defensive shield.
"I have not scored but the team has and that is the most important thing," added Ballack