World Cup Blog: Löw trusts in Mertesacker, Özil and Rugby

Unusual picture: Mesut Özil with a rugby ball – here with Arne Friedrich
First Team
Wednesday, 23.06.2010 / 07:19

Werder’s German internationals spent the final hours ahead of their decisive group match against Ghana with a healthy portion of self-confidence and a game of rugby. "We are so...

Werder’s German internationals spent the final hours ahead of their decisive group match against Ghana with a healthy portion of self-confidence and a game of rugby. "We are so united that we are withstanding the pressure and will advance," said defensive boss Per Mertesacker shortly after the loss against Serbia. German national team coach Joachim Löw agreed with Mertesacker. "We know that we have everything you need to beat Ghana. Players like Lahm, Mertesacker and Schweinsteiger all give me the impression that they can lead a team," said Löw. The coach added that a loss and subsequent elimination from the tournament is not even an issue within the German team.

 

Löw said he is impressed with his team. "I did not have the feeling against Serbia that the team hung their heads after the red card and falling behind. I don’t think that players like Khedira or Özil had problems with their nerves," said Löw. In the preparations for the game against the Ghana Black Stars, the German training staff took an unusual measure, starting one training session with a game of rugby. But luckily the evening returned to the usual routine. As usual, Per Mertesacker took advantage of the movie theatre in the Velmont Grande hotel, watching the thriller Motel with team-mater Piotr Trochowski.

 

With Germany knowing a victory would push them into the Round of 16, FIFA has named Carlos Simon of Brazil as the referee for the contest which starts on Wednesday, 23 June 2010 at 8:30 p.m.

 

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