Wiese handed chance to impress for Germany
Reuters - Tuesday 28 February 2012, 13:43
Goalkeeper Tim Wiese has
been handed the chance to impress before the Euro 2012 finals
when he deputises for first choice Manuel Neuer in Germany's
friendly international against France on Wednesday, assistant
coach Hansi Flick said.
Werder Bremen keeper Wiese has won five caps but has yet to
feature in a Germany victory.
"Tim should present himself before the Euro and he should do
it especially here in front of a home crowd," Flick told
reporters a day before the game in the northern port city of
Bremen.
"It is planned that he will play the full 90 minutes."
Flick said forward Miroslav Klose will lead the team in the
absence of injured Philipp Lahm while Mats Hummels and Holger
Badstuber will start in central defence with Per Mertesacker
absent through injury.
Three-time European champions Germany, without a title since
1996, are among the favourites for Euro 2012 in Poland and
Ukraine after qualifying top of their group without dropping a
point.
They have, however, not beaten neighbours France since 1987
and in 23 encounters, the Germans have won seven times while
losing 10 matches to their western neighbours.
"France are a very strong team and they are certainly one of
the favourites for the Euro this summer," said Real Madrid
playmaker Mesut Ozil, who will make his first appearance at the
Weser stadium since leaving Werder Bremen in 2010 to join the
Spanish club.
"But we want to show our own strengths and win this game,"
Ozil told reporters.