Joachim Löw is looking forward to the top clash in World Cup qualification group 4 against Russia on Saturday (5pm). But the German headcoach also feels the tension with regard to the important match in Moscow. “We are well aware of our chance and we want to take advantage of our situation”, Löw says.
Löw expects a strong Russian opponent with regard to their skills on the pitch. “Russia have played an excellent EURO tournament and since then they have always shown a strong performance. Although they did not win all matches on home soil convincingly, they always gained the necessary points”.
"We must not lose concentration”
Löw especially respects Andrey Arshavin who scored for Russia when Germany won the first leg 2-1. “He is a genius and thus incredibly efficient in his performance. We have to be wide awake and must not lose concentration”, Löw underlines. The only lack of strength Löw sees with regard to the Russian defensive performance.
German skipper Michael Ballack agrees with Löw. “Russia always play offensive and try to act on the pitch. But we also know about our qualities. I expect a match on a high level and of course a positive result for us”, Ballack says.
Löw does not want to overestimate the fact that both teams face on artificial turf in Moscow. “We are well prepared. The players now have to get used to it and they will.”
With two matches to play, Germany (22 points) top the table of group 4 one point ahead of Russia (21). A German victory in Moscow would thus mean the direct qualification for the World Cup 2010 in South Africa.
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Joachim Löw is looking forward to the top clash in World Cup qualification group 4 against Russia on Saturday (5pm). But the German headcoach also feels the tension with regard to the important match in Moscow. “We are well aware of our chance and we want to take advantage of our situation”, Löw says.
Löw expects a strong Russian opponent with regard to their skills on the pitch. “Russia have played an excellent EURO tournament and since then they have always shown a strong performance. Although they did not win all matches on home soil convincingly, they always gained the necessary points”.
"We must not lose concentration”
Löw especially respects Andrey Arshavin who scored for Russia when Germany won the first leg 2-1. “He is a genius and thus incredibly efficient in his performance. We have to be wide awake and must not lose concentration”, Löw underlines. The only lack of strength Löw sees with regard to the Russian defensive performance.
German skipper Michael Ballack agrees with Löw. “Russia always play offensive and try to act on the pitch. But we also know about our qualities. I expect a match on a high level and of course a positive result for us”, Ballack says.
Löw does not want to overestimate the fact that both teams face on artificial turf in Moscow. “We are well prepared. The players now have to get used to it and they will.”
With two matches to play, Germany (22 points) top the table of group 4 one point ahead of Russia (21). A German victory in Moscow would thus mean the direct qualification for the World Cup 2010 in South Africa.
