Germany must do better

Germany were yesterday left in no doubt that they could join Italy on the Euro 96 scrapheap unless they show a dramatic improvement in Sunday's quarter-final match against Croatia.

Berti Vogts, their coach, was unimpressed by the lacklustre performance in the goalless draw against Italy. He said: "We have a lot to learn - and that match was a hint that we are far from being a really good team. We were much more concentrated in the second half and fought like lions with only 10 men on the field. That is something we can build on - but we have to play better football.''

Vogts has injury doubts over three defenders - Thomas Helmer, Stefan Reuter and Rene Schneider - while Thomas Strunz, who was sent off against Italy, is suspended for the game at Old Trafford.