News Sports Soccer German World Cup preparations begin against Chile

German World Cup preparations begin against Chile

Stuttgart: Coach Joachim Loew has been at pains to focus his players' attention on the World Cup with 99 days to go. Preparations to date have been far from ideal, with key players injured, returning

german world cup preparations begin against chile german world cup preparations begin against chile
Stuttgart: Coach Joachim Loew has been at pains to focus his players' attention on the World Cup with 99 days to go. Preparations to date have been far from ideal, with key players injured, returning from injury or simply not in form. Chile is also gearing up for the tournament in Brazil.


Bayern's Bastian Schweinsteiger, Dortmund winger Kevin Grosskreutz and Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski are back in after recent injuries. Meanwhile, Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil's form is a cause for concern. "The players have to do everything to get into top form.

The time before the tournament will be just as hard as at the World Cup," Loew said. "Reality trumps theory. In theory we have a strong team, but in reality it looks somewhat different."


Germany and Chile have played six times, with the Germans winning four and Chile twice. Germany won the last meeting 4-1  at the 1982 World Cup in Spain. Chile's last win was in 1968 in Santiago, Chile.


Germany's group opponents at the World Cup are Ghana, Portugal and the United States