After making your debut in April last year against Romania which was followed by a second game in Thailand in December, your appearance against Argentinawas your third international. How do you firstly class Germany’s performance and then your own?

Timo Hildebrand: “We played well against a top world class team and won the group ahead of Argentina. There’s a still a few things to improve but we can all be satisfied. We’re looking forward to the semi-final against Brazil. I’m also satisfied with my performance. I couldn’t do anything about the goals. Riquelme’s free-kick to make it 1-1 was struck really well. It’s difficult against such free-kick specialists when they hit the ball right. But Fabian Ernst didn’t commit a foul in the first place.”

Your appearance was surprising as the coaches made it public two days before the match. Did you have the feeling that it was a sign of gratitude by Jürgen Klinsmann?

Timo Hildebrand: “I was well aware that at the beginning of the preparations for the FIFA Confederations Cup, which started back on 30 May at the official opening of the Allianz Arena in Munich, that I was third in the pecking order and wouldn’t get a game. I told myself to push myself in every practice, make use of the time and generally give the coaches a good impression of myself. It’s actually quite difficult when you don’t play. That’s why I’m really happy to have been rewarded for my efforts. I didn’t expect I’d make an appearance at the FIFA Confederations Cup but I always kept myself ready, just in case.”

Was your third international cap only a reward for the good work in practice or has head coach Klinsmann given you new prospects?

Timo Hildebrand: “No I don’t think so. I believe he wants to see how everybody plays when under pressure. I see it as a chance, for it’s a sign from the coach that I’m on the right road. I had a good season after having a few highs and lows at the start. With a view to next year, I do actually believe that Jürgen Klinsmann wants to show me that he’s pinning his faith in me. I want to repay his trust.”

Three games in 14 months isn’t exactly much. On the other hand, you’re a regular member of the German squad. How difficult is it, when you have to assume that, as No 3 behind Oliver Kahn and Jens Lehman, you’ll only get an occasional game?

Timo Hildebrand: “It’s my only chance. A goalkeeper simply has to have patience and wait. For others it’s easier as the fluctuation is much bigger and there’s several positions that a field player can fulfil. As a goalkeeper you have to have patience, work hard in practice and take the few chances that come your way. But who knows what the situation will be in a years time.”

You’re 26-years-old. When do you want to be the German No 1?

Timo Hildebrand: “It’s obvious that I want to improve my position after the World Cup. Perhaps Jens and Oliver will carry on for a couple of years. Who knows? The aim is to be the No 1 at some stage but I’m not putting myself under any pressure.”

What have you learned from the other two keepers?

Timo Hildebrand: “They’re 10 years more experienced than myself. I observe how they react on the pitch and how they take charge. You can always see something. Oliver is an enormously strong jumper and very ambitious. He never wants to concede a goal, not even in practice games.

What do you think about Giovanni Trapattoni becoming your new coach at VfB Stuttgart?

Timo Hildebrand: “Now he’s there, VfB will be subjected to a great deal of attention next season. It’ll be good for the team and the club. I hope we can overcome the change and really get going again. Oliver Kahn told me, the coach is an outstanding person and that he learned a lot from him, not just football-wise but also personally. Markus Babbel says he is outstanding with young players. And we’ve got lots of them. They can all learn a lot from him. That will help VfB to move forwards.”