RIO DE JANEIRO (AP):

The best is yet to come from Germany. That was the promise, at least, from coach Joachim Loew ahead of today's World Cup quarter-final against France at the Maracana Stadium.

While Germany looked impressive in a 4-0 win over Portugal in their opening match, the three-time champions struggled in their next games, being held to a 2-2 draw by Ghana, edging the United States 1-0 and needing extra time to beat Algeria 2-1.

Still, Germany are contesting their ninth straight World Cup quarter-final.

"We have not yet delivered our best possible performance," Loew said yesterday. "But I don't think anyone has reached their absolute top performance yet.

"It's not a computer game that is easily figured out. You can't easily figure out your opponent and it's not easy to programme your own team. Mistakes are made. ... And then there are other elements from beyond the pitch."

An element such as this: Seven Germany players have been struggling with illness.

Germany played their group matches in the warmer, north-eastern climates of Salvador, Fortaleza and Recife then faced Algeria in the second round in cool and damp conditions in the southern city of Porto Alegre.

"Perhaps they got contaminated from others, or maybe it was the difference in temperatures, or the air conditioning," Loew said.

Centre back Mats Hummels missed the Algeria game due to illness, but Loew indicated he'll be back against France. Likewise, midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is expected to return from severe cramps after being substituted against Algeria.