Germany’s Loew prefers 16-team Euro

EVIAN: The old 16-team Euro finals was better than the new expanded 24-team format because there were more big clashes from day one of the competition, Germany coach

EVIAN: The old 16-team Euro finals was better than the new expanded 24-team format because there were more big clashes from day one of the competition, Germany coach Joachim Loew said on Saturday.

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European soccer’s governing body UEFA introduced eight more teams for Euro 2016, which led to the introduction of an extra last-16 round. As a result, some of the third-placed teams now join the top two from each group in the knockout rounds. Previously, only the top two from the four groups advanced straight into the quarterfinals.

“The 16 teams was ideal. It made for great matches from day one.” Loew, in charge for Germany for his third Euro, told reporters. “This is a different situation and a return to the old system is obviously not possible anymore. So we have to accept that.”

The introduction of more teams has meant some smaller, less powerful footballing nations such as Iceland and Albania have also qualified, arming themselves with populous defences.

After 21 matches, only one team, Spain, have managed to score three goals in one game.

“There are teams playing ultra-defensively. But they do that well. The smaller nations like Albania or Wales are defensively very well schooled. They see their chance in that, so that is why we had only up to two goals per game until yesterday’s Spain win (3-0) over Turkey.”

Loew was also unhappy with the qualification modus for the Round of 16.

“Teams with one point from two matches still have a chance for the Round of 16. That is not very fair but it is what it is. So we just have to accept it and use the time we have to prepare for any opponent.”

Germany, eyeing a fourth European title, are top of Group C with four points, as many as Poland. They play Northern Ireland on Tuesday and will advance with a win or draw.

ARE GERMAN YOUNGSTERS READY?

Loew questioned whether his youngsters are up to scratch as he looks set to stick with the world champions’ experienced stars against Northern Ireland.

Loew cast an eye to the future by including talented midfielders Joshua Kimmich, 21, and 20-year-olds Julian Weigl and Leroy Sane for the European Championship finals.

None of the trio have played a minute of Germany’s Group C matches -- a 2-0 win over Ukraine and a goalless draw with Poland.

Loew has not been afraid to blood young talent in key Germany matches at previous tournaments, when he deemed the likes of Andre Schuerrle and Mario Goetze ready for action.

But Loew looks set to stick to the tried and tested in Tuesday’s final group game against Northern Ireland with the Germans needing a point to progress. “They do all what is required of them and they do well in training, but you can feel ‘this is the national team’ -- they need to get used to the tempo and the quality,” said Loew.

“You have to find the right point in time.”