The Borussia Dortmund youngster made his first appearance of Euro 2012 when he came on in the closing stages of his side's 4-2 quarter-final win against Greece.

And the midfielder said his brief cameo has only made him more hungry to play, having missed a large chunk of the domestic campaign due to injury.

"I almost missed the entire second half (of the Bundesliga season). That's why I want to play now, of course. I am fit and back to 100 percent," Goetze told TZ.

"The coach told me to have patience. That to me is of course important for the relationship between coach and player.

"They were positive words. I am trying to focus on it. The first game was very important to me. I've been looking forward to playing, because after three games on the bench I was, of course, ready.

Goetze went on to praise the versatility of his team's front line and admitted he had been worried about not making a single appearance at the tournament.

"You could see against Greece we have enough quality to change the attack," he said.

"Yes, I actually had that fear. I can tell you, I am glad this has fortunately been settled. And I certainly hope that there are a few more minutes to come."

Germany will take on Italy in the semi-final in Warsaw on Thursday, with the winner meeting Spain or Portugal in Sunday's final.