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Germany to host 'solidarity' friendly

Berlin - Chancellor Angela Merkel and her cabinet are set to attend Germany's friendly with the Netherlands on Tuesday in a show of solidarity for the victims of the Paris terror attacks.

The world champions found themselves at the centre of Friday's horrifying scenes in the French capital when 129 people died amidst a series of violent attacks that also left a further 352 injured.

Several deaths took place at the Stade de France, where Germany were playing a friendly against the French and the Germans opted to spend the night in the stadium rather than risk crossing Paris before flying home on Saturday.

The German team already had to switch their hotel earlier in the day because of a bomb scare.

The German Football Association (DFB) had considered calling off Tuesday's friendly in Hanover, but opted to play the game to send out a clear message as France play England the same night in London.

"The entire team, players, coach and staff, are still severely affected," said Germany's team manager Oliver Bierhoff with the squad set to arrive in Hanover on Monday, a day later than planned.

"Yet we all know that it's important to set an example and promote our values and culture.

"But under these circumstances, the sporting value of the game against the Netherlands has, of course, been lowered."

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