FINLAND: FOOTBALL / SOCCER - German coach Joachim Loew is not underestimating the threat posed by Finland in their World Cup qualifier

Record ID: 784457

  • Title: FINLAND: FOOTBALL / SOCCER - German coach Joachim Loew is not underestimating the threat posed by Finland in their World Cup qualifier
  • Date: 10th September 2008
  • Summary: HELSINKI, FINLAND ( SEPTEMBER 9, 2008) (REUTERS) GERMAN NATIONAL TEAM TRAINING GOALKEEPERS MIDFIELDER BASTIAN SCHWEINSTEIGER STRETCHES GERMAN HEAD COACH JOACHIM LOEW JOGGING WITH THE TEAM GERMAN PLAYERS PRACTICING ONE TOUCH PASSING (SOUNDBITE) (German) GERMAN HEAD COACH JOACHIM LOEW SAYING: "I think the Finns have only played one bad game in this qualification, a loss against Azerbaijan. Normally their way of playing wins and then they will probably be in the World Cup. This team has proven since a few years back that it can play with great quality and skill and we expect a very difficult game." GERMAN PLAYERS TRAINING GERMAN TEAM JOGGING AND HEAD COACH JOACHIM LOEW FIXING HIS HOOD IN HEAVY RAIN GERMAN BENCH WITH TEAM STAFF (SOUNDBITE) (German) GERMAN HEAD COACH JOACHIM LOEW, SPEAKING ABOUT SMOKING, SAYING: "Perhaps I might need one during the game, but I probably won't get the chance because I will certainly be watching the game from the bench tomorrow. I can promise you that."
  • Embargoed: 25th September 2008 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Finland
  • Country: Finland
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVADRWRP3O9U79181UX0STU04SHF
  • Story Text: Despite Germany being the clear favourites, German coach Joachim Loew said on Tuesday (September 9) he expected a tough World Cup 2010 qualifier against Finland on Wednesday.
    Germany will be looking for more of the same from Lukas Podolski only days after he led a Group Four 6-0 rout of Liechtenstein, finding the net either side of half-time in Saturday's victory.
    The Euro 2008 runners-up are promising the same positive approach in Helsinki's Olympic Stadium but despite the win over the minnows of Liechtenstein, Loew sounded a note of caution ahead of the game against Finland.

    "I think the Finns have only played one bad game in this qualification, a loss against Azerbaijan. Normally their way of playing wins and then they will probably be in the World Cup. This team has proven since a few years back that it can play with great quality and skill and we expect a very difficult game," Loew told a news conference on the eve of the match.
    Asked whether he would need a cigarette to calm his nerves during the game, as he did in the Euro 2008 final against Spain, Loew joked he probably wouldn't get a chance to smoke.
    Germany will be missing injured captain Michael Ballack once again, while leading striker Miroslav Klose is clearly struggling for form.
    Podolski took his international scoring record for Germany to 30 goals in 56 matches but the Finns are clearly looking forward to the contest, despite the strength of the opposition.

    "Germany is a very strong team and it will be difficult for us maybe to win the game, but we'll try to do our best and I think we have to succeed hundred per cent in everything that we do on the pitch to win the game," said one of Finland's top players, Sammi Hyypia.

    "No football game is won or lost before you play 90-95 minutes, so everybody has a chance before the game and you have to take that chance that after the game you are not disappointed that you did not give your all,"
    Hyypia added.
    Finland will be without two influential midfielders as Jari Litmanen is injured and Alexei Eremenko Jr. was not selected after a drink-driving conviction.
    The two sides also met in World Cup qualifying in 2001, with the Finns drawing 2-2 at home and 0-0 in Germany.
    Finland have never qualified for the finals of the World Cup or European Championship, but came close to making it to Euro 2008 under previous coach Roy Hodgson.
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