Group A leaders Germany will be coming up against Austria in their sixth challenge of the Euro 2012 Qualifiers; however, Coach Joachim Loew might not be able to field in the best of sides.
Toni Kroos is presently aiming for a place in the line-up ahead of the encounter in which he is set to partner with Sami Khedira in the midfield. The Real Madrid player was put out of action in April after he tore a thigh muscle, but Khedira recently insisted that he was fit enough to perform for his country on Friday.
Assistant manager Hansi Flick expressed confidence over the talisman’s presence, stating that his health had improved fast enough for him to make his return. With Simon Rolfes available to replace Khedira in case of any late obstacle, Loew can thus look at other areas of his squad, which has lost some of its power through the absence of star striker Miroslav Klose and defender Per Mertesacker.
Unfortunately for Germany, their midfield is further weakened subsequent to the definite withdrawals of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Sven Bender and Christian Traesch. Their low amount of options, in terms of formations prior to their match in Vienna, could push them to play a slow but accurate game, whilst they also look to maintain their authority over Austria.
Germany can so far boast of a perfect record in their group, having earned a maximum of 15 points in their 5 games played. Austria, who still have much work to do before dreaming of a place in the finals, are 8 points behind the 2010 World Cup bronze medallists.
Assistant manager Hansi Flick expressed confidence over the talisman’s presence, stating that his health had improved fast enough for him to make his return. With Simon Rolfes available to replace Khedira in case of any late obstacle, Loew can thus look at other areas of his squad, which has lost some of its power through the absence of star striker Miroslav Klose and defender Per Mertesacker.
Unfortunately for Germany, their midfield is further weakened subsequent to the definite withdrawals of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Sven Bender and Christian Traesch. Their low amount of options, in terms of formations prior to their match in Vienna, could push them to play a slow but accurate game, whilst they also look to maintain their authority over Austria.
Germany can so far boast of a perfect record in their group, having earned a maximum of 15 points in their 5 games played. Austria, who still have much work to do before dreaming of a place in the finals, are 8 points behind the 2010 World Cup bronze medallists.
