The squad is now based in Sao Paulo, the venue for this crucial match. Brandt took time out to answer a few questions for DFB TV.
Julian, being in the semis sounds good – What’s your assessment of the Olympics so far?
Brandt: “It’s getting better and better. We got to off to a bumpy start but we picked it up with the game against Fiji (10-0, editor’s note). It must have boosted our confidence.”
It worked out well. The quarter-final brought a 4-0 win against Portugal.
Brandt: “Yes, that game showed everybody what our team can do. It was really good. I hope it gets even better against Nigeria.”
How do you think Wednesdays’ game will go?
Brandt: “Nigeria are strong up front, quick and their play is a bit crazy. I mean that as a positive as they often take risks. I’m looking forward to finding out all about them in the pre-match analysis. But I don’t think we need to be afraid of them.”
You’ve had the highest number of assists in the tournament so far. Are you saving your first goal for the semi-final?
Brandt: (laughs) “It would be great if I could score too but I’m happy with my role so far. I definitely want to beat Nigeria and I don’t care how we go through whether it’s a goal from me, my assist or even an own goal from the opposition if it has to be.
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During the international break, Bayer 04 will face third-division newcomers SC Fortuna Köln on Friday 2 October (kick-off: 11:00 CEST). The match will be played on training pitch 1 at the BayArena, as preparations are already underway at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium for the Bayer 04 women’s Bundesliga home match against Werder Bremen, which is due to kick off in the early evening. To ensure the friendly against Fortuna Köln runs smoothly and without disruption, it will be played behind closed doors.
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