Podolski eyes Villa showdown

Germany striker hoping to be top-scorer

By Vasek Kadlec   Last updated: 25th June 2008

Lukas Podolski Germany ITV

Podolski: Euro target

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Germany striker Lukas Podolski is hoping to go head-to-head with Spain forward David Villa in the final of Euro 2008.

The duo are battling it out for the tournament's golden boot ahead of their respective semi-finals against Turkey and Russia.

Villa leads the way with four goals, while Podolski has found the net on three occasions so far, as has Russia's Roman Pavlyuchenko.

Compete

Podolski told CTK: "David (Villa) is a very sympathetic and quiet lad. It would be particularly nice to compete with him directly on the pitch in the final in Vienna.

The 23-year-old, who has struggled to make his mark with Bayern Munich this season, is more than happy with his international form.

He added: "Before the tournament I did not set myself any specific goals. I did not say how many goals I would like to score and I did not make any bets.

"But I think now that the first place in the scoring table is possible. I will try to give my best for the team and we will see if something arises from it. At the Euros I have been doing really well and I feel like I am in top form."

Final focus

Podolski is expected to depart the Allianz Arena this summer, but is keen to focus on Germany's tilt for European glory.

He said: "The last two years have not been easy at all for me. I have not played much.

"But at our preparatory camp in Mallorca, ahead of the Euros, I prepared very well. Things have turned in favour of me and the whole team.

"Like my team-mates, there is nothing else for us than the final. Whether we are or we are not favourites, that is not important.

"If we repeat the performance from the quarter-final, then we have a big chance of being successful."