Josip Simunic

DW-TV: Now you've been in Berlin since 2000 - what's it like living here on the other side of the world?

Josip Simunic: It's different. The longer I'm away from Australia, the more I see how much Australia is a beautiful country, probably the best country in the world. The people here are very different to Australia. In Australia the people are more friendly. Here also, but not to the extent that they are in Australia.

When you think back to the last round of the Bundesliga we saw Ivan Klasnic come back, one of your countrymen. What emotions did that bring?

I just got goosebumps now. I'm happy for Ivan. I hope he stays healthy, I hope that he has no more problems with his kidneys or anything else. He's a great example to show that when someone really wants to achieve something, they can achieve it. Like I said, I hope he stays healthy and scores a lot of goals for Werder Bremen.

You said at the start when you first came here that you were here to win the German Championship. That success hasn't come in the last 7 years - why hasn't it happened?

In the past we've had very good teams, but there were better teams than us. You have to play 34 games in a season. I think we had too many games where we were up there, we needed the win, but because of the added pressure, we didn't put in a good performance and get the result. We also have the problem that a lot of players come and then they get better offers from other clubs, more money. That's also a problem, when you get offered three times as much to play in England. Football is not only about money but you have to try and situate yourself quickly.

To be too aggressive is sometimes not good for the team. You have to pick the right moment where you are going to be aggressive in the interests of the team, in order to show the younger players in the team that they should get involved. That takes also a little bit of time. The body language is also important. I'm getting more used to it and learning when to make the right challenge at the right time.

At the moment, it seems sometimes the aggression goes too far? Would you agree with that?

I agree with that. Sometimes it does go too far. But I have to say: the refereeing in Germany is a bit soft. When I compare it - I watch a lot of English games - it's a big, big difference. When I see how people go in to challenges in England. Here in Germany, it's a very big difference - unfortunately.

With the success that you gained in the Bundesliga you then became a member of the Croatian national team. What was it like winning against England in London last week?

It was a great feeling. How can I explain it to you? In the World Cup against Australia, when we didn't make it through, it was a very, very drained feeling. Against England, to win at Wembley, was the total opposite. It was probably the nicest feeling I have had in my life, when it comes to football.

These sorts of moments, in the headlines in Europe, is this the reason why you opted to play for Croatia and not the country of your birth, Australia?

I'm a proud Australian. But I also know where I come from, my heritage, my background. And I'm very proud of that. I feel more Croatian than Australian. Another reason is the long flight to Australia for games - that's also a very big problem. We have that problem now with some of our Brazilian players.

What are your plans for 2008? How do you see it going for you?

Always when someone asks me what my plans are, the most important plan is to stay healthy. Football wise: the biggest thing is to try to get in to the top half of the table for Hertha BSC and to become European Champions for Croatia.

Thanks very much for your time.

Thank you, thanks. Are you living in Berlin?

I am living in Berlin.

How long have you been here for?

For two and a half years.

Do you like Berlin?

Yeah, I like Berlin, otherwise I wouldn't hold out the temperatures.