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Miroslav Klose still in question, but Mesut Ozil will start for Germany against the Netherlands, says Joachim Low
Ahead of his team's highly-anticipated friendly match against local rivals the Netherlands, Germany coach Joachim Low has commented favourably on his side's performance over the course of the calendar year, and offered insight into how the DFB team will line-up in Hamburg on Tuesday.At a press conference, the trainer praised his opponents and hailed the prestige clash as potentially a perfect way to end what he feels has been a successful 2011."This can be a great finale to a successful year.
The Dutch are very well trained, are perfectly automated, and hardly come under pressure," he told reporters. "Especially when it comes to training, the Netherlands are still hard to beat. I expect a very aggressive and interesting game."Reviewing Germany's year, Low was very positive, highlighting the regularity with which his team brought their best performances.
"For a young team we were especially very consistent. To win the entire Euro2012 qualification campaign is not a given. We have also continued to integrate young players and we developed our play and tactics. So I am very pleased with this year, even though we still have to refine details.
"Looking ahead to the Netherlands match, Low was coy over the prospects of his team playing a 4-4-2, but revealed that Real Madrid playmaker Mesut Ozil will be given a spot in his first XI."Klose has trained once, I'll wait for the final training and test his strength. Whether we will play with two strikers, I will decide this evening," he said, adding:
"It is clear that Ozil will start. But I must of course be considerate to the players, who still have a hard winter ahead. If the situation permits, I might substitute him."Low also commented on the role of Bayern Munich's Jerome Boateng, who has featured for Germany both in the centre and on the right of defence."He has his greatest opportunities and prospects in the middle, he has great skills, especially physically," the trainer said.
"I think he's also a good right-back, with his pace going forward. Furthermore, we have in [Per] Mertesacker, [Mats] Hummels, and [Holger] Badstuber some central defensive players who have established themselves. Therefore, Boateng will also have to play on the outside from time to time.
"In Friday's 3-3 draw with Ukraine in Kiev, Boateng played as part of a three-man central defence. His team conceded all three goals in the opening 45 minutes, but according to Low, his tactic was not a failure.
"I've watched the game against Ukraine again, and am still happy, because the goals had nothing to do with the system at all. We would have conceded in the form of a back four.
"Low only informed his team of the tactical plan shortly before kick-off, in what he later revealed was an attempt to see how quickly his players could adapt. He has previously pledged not to use the same system against the Netherlands. Kick-off from Hamburg is scheduled for 20.45CET on Tuesday.