Benedikt Howedes has called on the nation of Brazil to get behind Germany in Sunday's World Cup final against Argentina.
The Selecao suffered the most embarrassing defeat in their history after losing to Germany 7-1 at the semifinal stage on Tuesday.
And Brazil supporters' misery could be compounded if arch-rivals Argentina were to win the tournament in their own country.
Netherlands received the hosts' backing during their last-four loss to Argentina, and Howedes wants to see something similar when Germany meet Alejandro Sabella's side at the Maracana on Sunday.
"All of us are hoping for support from the Brazilians. I thought it was a wonderful gesture the way Brazilians celebrated for us [during the semifinal]," he is quoted as saying by BBC Sport.
"All along the way there were Brazilians cheering us. It was really fantastic."
Germany are set to meet Argentina in a World Cup final for a third time -- following clashes in 1986 and 1990 -- and Howedes is well aware who will have to be stopped if they are to lift the trophy for a fourth occasion.
"[Lionel] Messi is a fantastic player, one of the best in the world, but so was [Cristiano] Ronaldo," Howedes said, recalling Germany's 4-0 group-stage win over Portugal. "We've got to work as a collective against him because we're not going to be able to beat him one-on-one.
"When we play together tightly even a great player like Messi will have a hard time. If we can defend decently as a team we'll contain him."