Germany put everything into U21 bid
Friday, October 10, 2008
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Germany are leaving nothing to chance ahead of the first leg of their UEFA European Under-21 Championship play-off against France in Magdeburg this evening after drafting Marko Marin in from the senior squad.
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Team effort
Marko Marin, usually with the senior squad, has been drafted in to form a strong midfield with Gonzalo Castro, Sami Khedira and Marc-Andre Kruska as Germany aim to take the initiative ahead of Wednesday's return in Metz. German Football Association sporting director Matthias Sammer explained: "We decided to have him play for the U21s, a demonstration of our strength and togetherness."
Neuer return
There is a further boost for coach Dieter Eilts with the return of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer after a broken foot. "These two matches are a great challenge for us," said Eilts, whose side lost 3-0 to France in the 2006 group stage, before both nations fell in the play-offs for the following year's finals. "The French team are very strong and our last matches with them were not too good for us. I'm optimistic we can do better this time."
Previous meeting
Germany also lost 4-1 to Les Bleuets last year in the Toulon Tournament but whereas Eilts has experience of this stage, France coach Erik Mombaerts only took over earlier this year. "I'm happy to face Germany," the former Toulouse FC coach said. "They are a big name and it will be not problem getting players motivated. We have analysed them: they make a huge physical impact and have midfielders who can quickly switch to strikers when they get the ball. But they play risky football and we'll try to make the most of that. We will have the chance to counterattack."
Double boost
Though the senior side does contain U21 eligible players like Karim Benzema, Mombaerts is sticking with the side that earned wins against Malta and Bosnia-Herzegovina to pip Romania to second place in Group 10, though keeper Stéphane Ruffier has been replaced by Benoît Costil due to injury. Furthermore, he is boosted by the return of two long-term absentees, midfielder Didier Digard and striker Jérémey Menez. "The away game will be the key," Menez said. "We know that their first aim will be to get the ball and we will have to be on par with them in terms of aggression. If we win challenges then we'll have opportunities to score. But I think we have the spirit to advance." Germany coach Dieter Eilts added: "Germany against France is a top clash. Two nations with a great football history are facing each other, and I think both deserve a spot in the final tournament.