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The Week in Germany: Sports March 30, 2007 Soccer: Löw Sees Positives in First Defeat as Youngsters Lose
to Danes Germany coach Jogi Löw took only positives from his first defeat as his youngsters lost 1-0 to Denmark in Duisburg on Wednesday night. Without a number of established stars, the debutants did well enough. Germany's soccer stars were the toast of the nation after their win in Prague at the weekend. The victory over the Czech Republic left Joachim Löw's men top of their European Championship qualifying group and the team is now the favorite to reach the final stages next summer.
On Wednesday though, it was an almost unrecognizable side that took to the field for the friendly game against Denmark.
Löw fielded a team missing stars like Michael Ballack, Miroslav Klose and Jens Lehmann. In their place, the German coach brought in young stars Robert Enke, Simon Rolfes and Roberto Hibert.
Including substitutes, a total of seven players wore the national team colors for the first time ever in the friendly against Denmark in Duisburg as Löw experimented without the pressure of a qualifying match. But the undefeated coach paid the price in the end, with his first reverse in charge of the national side. Danish striker Niclas Bendtner scored the only goal in the 82nd minute after connecting with a good cross from Jesper Groenkjar.
However, Löw was happy with his fledgling stars. "We are always being told to support young players in Germany, and that is what we are doing," he told ARD television.
"It was down to experience," the coach added. "There were a lot of young players out there and it was a very important game for their development. One day they will have to replace Frings, Ballack or Klose. We took the risk that we might lose the game, but it was great experience for the youngsters."
It was the first international game to be played in Duisburg since 1933,
and although the fans were a little disappointed at not seeing their heroes
from the World Cup, the new, young team did inspire the crowd in the first
half with some neat passing movements. (Deutsche Welle) Links:
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