Mesut Ozil has leapt to the defence of his Germany team-mate Sami Khedira.

Germany have impressed on their way to the semi-finals of Euro 2012, winning all four games, but Khedira has come in for criticism for his displays.

Khedira scored in the 4-2 mauling of Greece but it did not silence the critics. Ozil is aware of the negativity and ahead of Thursday's semi-final with Italy he has launched a defence of his Real Madrid club-mate.

"I don't understand the criticism targeted at him," Ozil said.

"He plays regularly at the best club in the world. I am proud to be able to play with him for Germany and at Madrid."