adminBERLIN. – Germany coach Joachim Loew has said he is eager to dispatch the Republic of Ireland and confirm the German’s Brazil 2014 berth in tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier in Cologne.Loew’s Germany are five points clear at the top of Group A and need just a point to confirm their World Cup place against Ireland, who are fourth in the group under caretaker manager Noel King after Giovanni Trapattoni’s resignation last month.
“Our goal is to secure qualification on home soil, we have had good memories of playing in Cologne, it’s a tight stadium full of passionate fans and we want to make sure of the win,” said Loew in yesterday’s press conference.
Loew has said he expects a tough match against the Irish, who he described as “defensively strong”, and does not expect a repeat of Germany’s 6-1 romp in Dublin during last year’s qualifier.
The Germans are eager to wrap up their qualification at home ahead of next Tuesday’s final qualifier away to Sweden in Stockholm.
Against the Irish, Germany will be without injured winger Marco Reus and striker Miroslav Klose, who scored three of the six goals in Dublin between them, and it remains to be seen who Loew opts for as his lone striker. – AFP.
Online Reporter