Duisburg (dpa) – The prelude to the new World Cup elimination will be the first test run for the European Football Championship starting in June. “We have to make sure that we adapt as well as possible,” said Joachim Löw about the primary goal of the home game in the evening (8.45pm / RTL) against Iceland.
Of course, in Duisburg, where spectators are not allowed due to the ongoing corona pandemic, the first three points on the way to the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar should also be taken.
The fans are there with at least one action behind Manuel Neuer’s goal: on a black, red and gold background in the Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena, large plastic letters emblazoned: “A team”!
After Iceland, on Sunday in Bucharest against Romania and three days later again in Duisburg against North Macedonia, the national team will face the next tasks in the World Cup elimination. Löw would like to hand over the competition to his as yet undetermined successor with nine points if possible. Group J includes Liechtenstein and Armenia as opponents four and five. Only the group winners qualify directly for the finals in Qatar.
LAST MISSION: The outgoing national coach, who gives up his job one year before the end of his contract in the summer, is already aligning everything to the European championship from June 11th. “When we go to the tournament, we want to get the best out of it,” said Löw. After 15 years in office, the players want to give their coach a “big farewell present”, as captain Manuel Neuer explained.
COMPENSATION: The embarrassing 0: 6 at the end of 2020 in Spain still hurts. “I expect a reaction from the team that we will throw everything into the balance,” said Löw. In Seville, his team was “completely below the level”. This was worked through in team meetings. “We have to work on the grassroots again, on the defensive as well as on the offensive. We will stick to it rigorously. “
WARNING: His EM candidates have been warned. One of the 23 personal tickets to be awarded for the final round is only available to those players who are willing to make improvements. Potential alone is not enough, as Julian Brandt and Julian Draxler from Leverkusen had to learn from Paris Saint-Germain. Both were not invited. “The door is not closed,” Loew said. But he demands “rhythm and games” from both of them, in which they can improve. “I hope both of them respond well. I will watch it closely. “
WARNING II: “Sport plays an important role in Iceland – even in the icy months,” said Löw about the uncomfortable opponent and added: “Icelanders are known for having a winning mentality. No matter how the game goes: You don’t give up. ”The opponent could defend well in this field. “They play forward quickly and without frills, they are really difficult to play on,” said Löw.
STAFF: After the departure of Real Madrid star Toni Kroos due to injury, Löw still has 21 field players and four goalkeepers in the squad. Munich’s Niklas Süle and Robin Gosens from Atalanta Bergamo are still ailing and are still out at the first game in Duisburg. Unlike last autumn, Löw no longer wants to take account of the strain on the players. Points have priority.
FUTURE: Löw is putting his personal plans on hold. “I don’t want to hear anything,” he said about possible offers. This also applies to the time up to and during the European Championship.
STATISTICS: For Germany it is the 95th game in a World Cup qualification. There have only been two defeats, both in home games. In 1985 the DFB team lost to Portugal 0-1 in Stuttgart. In September 2001 it was a fierce 5-1 win against England in Munich.
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