Share

Weak Germany serious for Brazil test

Germany - Jerome Boateng insists Germany see Tuesday's friendly against Brazil in Berlin as an important test despite coach Joachim Loew planning a string of changes.

Loew revealed that Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen will be rested with a slight knee strain, leaving Kevin Trapp and Bernd Leno to play a half each at Berlin's Olympic Stadium.

As first-choice Manuel Neuer is recovering from a fractured foot, it effectively means Germany will field their third and fourth choice goalkeepers against the South American giants.

Hertha Berlin's Marvin Plattenhardt will also make only his sixth international appearance at left-back.

Mesut Ozil and Thomas Mueller have been released by Loew to rest while Manchester City pair Leroy Sane and Ilkay Gundogan are expected to face Brazil.

Boateng, who was born in Berlin, will captain Germany in his home city if Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira fails to recover from a back problem.

The Bayern Munich defender played down the resting of World Cup winners Ozil and Mueller.

"Despite that, it is still an important game and there are other reasons Mueller and Ozil aren't here anymore," said Boateng.

"They have both played a lot this season and they shouldn't be over-played.

"Those involved don't always play for the national team, but in games like this you can test things, the Brazilians are also missing players."

This will be the first time Germany face Brazil at senior international level since the Selecao were hammered 7-1 in the semifinals of the 2014 World Cup.

Brazil coach Tite has included four survivors – Marcelo, Fernandinho, Willian and Paulinho – from the squad mauled by the Germans four years ago.

Fernandinho is expected to replace Douglas Costa in the only change from the team which beat Russia 3-0 in Moscow on Friday without the injured Neymar.

Loew is likely to start with just a handful of players who were involved in the remarkable Belo Horizonte clash in 2014.

After Germany drew 1-1 with Spain last Friday, Loew insists the Brazil showdown is another demanding challenge for the world champions.

"Both games are high-level test matches for us," said Loew.

"You can see that from the extremely high pass quota – over 90 percent – from Spain, we expect the same against Brazil.

"Against top teams like this you can learn a lot of things to take away for the 2018 World Cup."

Brazil coach Tite has spoken about the "ghost" of the 7-1 defeat still haunting the Selecao, but Loew said it's time to move on.

"There might be three or four players in the starting line-ups from 2014," he said.

"I do not think that, for example, Marcelo, who played at the time and has shown up really well at Real Madrid, as have other Brazilians in top teams, will be afraid against us or will fear another 7-1 defeat.

"Of course, the Brazilians probably have a bit of desire for revenge, but you can't turn the clock back.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
64% - 474 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
36% - 263 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE