- Title: SOUTH AFRICA: FOOTBALL / SOCCER - Germany's World Cup squad arrives
- Date: 8th June 2010
- Summary: JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (JUNE 7, 2010) (REUTERS) PLANE ARRIVING GERMAN FLAG ON PLANE ARRIVING SECURITY BUS ARRIVING GERMAN COACH JOACHIM LOEW GETTING OFF THE BUS FOLLOWED BY GERMAN TEAM VARIOUS OF GERMAN TEAM ARRIVING SECURITY (SOUNDBITE) (German) GERMAN COACH JOACHIM LOEW SAYING: "We are a bit tired after such a long flight, but we are happy that we finally arrived in South Africa. We are very excited, the anticipation is great. We are happy that it is all starting in this great country South Africa. We are looking forward to the next weeks here." SECURITY (SOUNDBITE) (English) GERMAN COACH JOACHIM LOEW SAYING: "We just arrived and of course everybody is a little bit tired. But we are looking forward that we start the World Cup now. We have a very beautiful country here. We are glad that we came now and we are looking forward to start our games." TEAM BUS PLAYERS ON BUS LOEW ON BUS FANS WITH FLAGS VARIOUS OF FANS SCREAMING FANS WITH FLAGS
- Embargoed: 23rd June 2010 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: South Africa
- Country: South Africa
- Topics: Sports
- Reuters ID: LVAYY93A0542IIGPZZOFJCMXWGW
- Story Text: A confident German soccer squad arrived in Johannesburg on Monday (June 7), before departing to their base just outside Pretoria.
Coach Joachim Loew said the team were excited and looking forward to it.
"We are a bit tired after such a long flight, but we are happy that we finally arrived in South Africa. We are very excited, the anticipation is great. We are happy that it is all starting in this great country South Africa. We are looking forward to the next weeks here."
On Sunday (June 6) Loew said that the team were in top form despite a string of injuries that has ruled out several starting players.
Injuries have so far ruled out captain Michael Ballack and four other players, severely restricting Loew's options in midfield for the June 11-July 11 tournament and robbing his team of its natural leader.
But two comfortable wins against Hungary and Bosnia in the past days have shown the Germans were able to successfully absorb the shock of these withdrawals.
While Loew still has to finalize his choices for the defense and attack, he seems to have decided on his new-look midfield.
Sami Khedira and Bastian Schweinsteiger have made a seamless transition from supporting actors under Ballack to playing leading roles, combining beautifully to initiate Germany's offensive play from their holding midfield positions.
Thomas Mueller also looks to have edged out any rivals for a spot on the wings after fine performances from the 20-year-old.
Overall Ballack's injury looks to have been a blessing in disguise with the team playing more freely, his responsibilities shared by more than just one player.
Germany take on Australia in their first Group D match on June 13. They then play Serbia and Ghana. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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