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Bastian Schweinsteiger has admitted that he hopes to be given a free role for Germany’s World Cup opener against Costa Rica on Friday.

The 21-year-old Schweinsteiger has scored in his last two internationals and is expected to be handed an attacking role on the left side of midfield.

“I have freedom to go forward and it is a lot of fun. I do have to come back defensively but I am more attack orientated and I like that,” Schweinsteiger said.

“I hope we attack like we did at the Confederations Cup as we scored a lot of goals.

“But we need to defend better than we did then and not concede as many goals. We all need to help out to do this.”

The Bayern Munich player will be playing on his home ground on Friday and admits it will be a big occasion.

“It will be nice playing on my club ground However it is not just about Munich but Germany as a whole,” Schweinsteiger said.

“A lot of people are talking about pressure. To be honest I do not feel pressure. I am just looking forward to the game.”

Schweinsteiger believes the new World Cup ball will provide ample opportunity to test out his shooting.

“The new ball dips and swerves when you strike it from distance which makes it difficult for the goalkeeper,” Schweinsteiger added.

“Our goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has said that to us and he is right. I hope to get the chance to try a free-kick against Costa Rica.”

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