Mueller unperturbed by Euro goal drought

EVIAN, France – He is the only big-name forward yet to score at Euro 2016, but Thomas Mueller says his main concern is helping Germany beat France in tomorrow’s Euro 2016 semifinal.

Stars like Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Poland’s Robert Lewandowski found the net in France after initially struggling to score at the European Championship finals.

But Mueller, top scorer at the 2010 World Cup and who hit 32 goals for Bayern Munich last season, has yet to open his account here.

Mueller said Germany are at the contest as world champions “and the chance to win two titles back-to-back is not something you get everyday”.

“Reaching that goal is what drives me on.

“I haven’t had that many chances here and the ones I have missed were by a matter of centimetres.

“I’m not driving myself crazy about it. I was the topscorer in South Africa and we went out in the semifinals.

“I haven’t changed anything and I’m not bothered.

“Sure, a goal would calm me down, as it would mean I wouldn’t have to answer any more questions about it,” he told reporters in Evian with a grin.

Mueller has the support of Germany’s management as they prepare to face the French.

“If we need a goal, then Mueller will score one for us,” head coach Joachim Loew said on Monday.

Team manager Oliver Bierhoff said it was just a matter of time. “Thomas Mueller is just keeping his powder dry. Then he’ll explode,” said the former striker.

The mood in the German camp is of confidence, despite considerable personnel problems.

Mats Hummels is suspended, Sami Khedira and Mario Gomez are out injured, while captain Bastian Schweinsteiger is struggling with a knee strain. –