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We do not fear the Dutch, says Loew
Germany coach Joachim Loew has insisted his side have nothing to fear ahead of Tuesday's friendly against World Cup finalists the Netherlands in Hamburg as they look to finish 2011 in style.
Germany coach Joachim Loew has insisted his side have nothing to fear ahead of Tuesday's friendly against World Cup finalists the Netherlands in Hamburg as they look to finish 2011 in style.
After winning all 10 of their Euro 2012 qualifiers and humbling Brazil in an August friendly, Loew is looking for Germany's first win over the Dutch since 1996 in what will be his 75th international as national team coach.
Both sides are without key players with Germany captain Philipp Lahm being rested and Bayern Munich star midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger missing with a broken collarbone.
Likewise, Dutch midfielder Rafael van der Vaart is out with a thigh strain while striker Robin van Persie has returned to his Premier League club Arsenal to be rested.
The Dutch attack will feature Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder and Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt, but Loew says his team -- including Real Madrid play-maker Mesut Ozil and Bayern's Mario Gomez -- are relishing the challenge.
"We have no fear and there is no reason to be afraid," said Loew told reporters Monday.
"It will be a great challenge to play against the number two team in the world. I expect an aggressive and interesting game."
Capello to ring changes vs Sweden
LONDON: England manager Fabio Capello is to make eight changes to the team that beat Spain at the weekend for the friendly against fellow Euro 2012 finalists Sweden at Wembley on Tuesday.
"There will be eight new players," the Italian told a news conference on Monday. "They are two different games but the experience gained for these players is really important in order to improve for the next match against Holland (in February) and the Euros."
Capello did not announce his team in full but he did say Joe Hart would remain in goal, captain John Terry would partner Gary Cahill in central defence and "some midfielders" who played in the 1-0 win over world champions Spain would keep their places.
