Germany coach Joachim Löw has named a 24-strong squad for next week’s 2014 World Cup qualifying double-header.
For the matches in European qualifying Group C against Austria in Munich on Friday 6 September (live on ZDF at 8.45 pm CET) and against the Faroe Islands in Torshavn on Tuesday 10 September (live on ARD at 8.45 pm CET), Bastian Schweinsteiger makes his long-awaited return to the national team. The vice-captain last represented his country in a qualifier away to Kazakhstan on 22 March 2013. His Bayern Munich team-mates Toni Kroos and Mario Götze also return to the squad after missing the opening international of the season against Paraguay in August.
The Austria clash at the Allianz Arena could see captain Philipp Lahm pass a significant milestone, as the Bayern defender is only one appearance short of his 100th cap.
Sam and Kruse recalled
Sidney Sam of Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Mönchengladbach striker Max Kruse are recalled to the squad after gaining initial experience with the senior team on the USA tour at the end of last season. “Both put themselves forward as good alternatives for our attack on the USA trip. They've started the new season well with their clubs and they deserve another chance to prove themselves," commented Löw.
Sidney Sam of Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Mönchengladbach striker Max Kruse are recalled to the squad after gaining initial experience with the senior team on the USA tour at the end of last season. “Both put themselves forward as good alternatives for our attack on the USA trip. They've started the new season well with their clubs and they deserve another chance to prove themselves," commented Löw.
“As of now, we'll focus totally on the two matches against Austria and the Faroes." commented the national coach, “We’ve opened a gap as leaders of our World Cup qualifying group, but we haven't qualified for the finals in Brazil yet. Our firm target is to take another step towards that goal with two victories. I'm very pleased we can now work intensively with the team over a longer period of time," he added.
Löw: Neighbours are always fired up
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Germany coach Joachim Löw has named a 24-strong squad for next week’s 2014 World Cup qualifying double-header.
For the matches in European qualifying Group C against Austria in Munich on Friday 6 September (live on ZDF at 8.45 pm CET) and against the Faroe Islands in Torshavn on Tuesday 10 September (live on ARD at 8.45 pm CET), Bastian Schweinsteiger makes his long-awaited return to the national team. The vice-captain last represented his country in a qualifier away to Kazakhstan on 22 March 2013. His Bayern Munich team-mates Toni Kroos and Mario Götze also return to the squad after missing the opening international of the season against Paraguay in August.
The Austria clash at the Allianz Arena could see captain Philipp Lahm pass a significant milestone, as the Bayern defender is only one appearance short of his 100th cap.
Sam and Kruse recalled
Sidney Sam of Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Mönchengladbach striker Max Kruse are recalled to the squad after gaining initial experience with the senior team on the USA tour at the end of last season. “Both put themselves forward as good alternatives for our attack on the USA trip. They've started the new season well with their clubs and they deserve another chance to prove themselves," commented Löw.
Sidney Sam of Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Mönchengladbach striker Max Kruse are recalled to the squad after gaining initial experience with the senior team on the USA tour at the end of last season. “Both put themselves forward as good alternatives for our attack on the USA trip. They've started the new season well with their clubs and they deserve another chance to prove themselves," commented Löw.
“As of now, we'll focus totally on the two matches against Austria and the Faroes." commented the national coach, “We’ve opened a gap as leaders of our World Cup qualifying group, but we haven't qualified for the finals in Brazil yet. Our firm target is to take another step towards that goal with two victories. I'm very pleased we can now work intensively with the team over a longer period of time," he added.
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Löw: Neighbours are always fired up
Löw is expecting an interesting contest against the Austrians. “Everyone knows our neighbours are always hugely motivated when they play Germany. Austria's hallmarks are a good pressing game and fast transitions. You can see the influence of my colleague Marcel Koller, who I respect very much. Austria will give everything they have to preserve their chance of qualifying, so we’ll have to be very focused right from the start."
As for the Faroes, Löw is optimistic in the light of Germany's 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture in September 2012. “We have to be aiming to win this match as well. It's the biggest game of the year for them, and naturally they'll want to put one over on us as favourites. I'm totally confident in our strengths, which we have to use to the full. There's no way we'll underestimate our opponents. We'll prepare for this match very seriously.""
Following the meetings with Austria and the Faroes, the national team contest two further World Cup qualifiers in 2013, against Ireland in Cologne on 11 October, and away to Sweden on 15 October. Germany round off the calendar year with two matches in November.
