Germany goes high-tech in World Cup preparations

Germany’s stars are set to use video conferencing in their bid to win the World Cup title for a fourth time as coach Joachim Loew looks to keep an eye on his players’ preparations.

German daily Handelsblatt reported in Friday’s edition that the German Football Federation (DFB) have ordered six video conferencing systems to be installed at their main centre in Frankfurt plus in the offices of their coaches and team managers.

The system will, for example, allow stars like Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Miroslav Klose, who all live in Munich, to discuss training and tactics with Loew who lives in Freiburg – 350km away.

And team captain Michael Ballack will be able to phone in from London, where he plays for Premier League giants Chelsea, to discuss matters with Loew face-to-face without leaving England’s capital.

Having won the World Cup in 1954, 1974 and 1990, Loew’s squad are one of the favourites to win next year’s tournaments.

Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff confirmed the DFB is installing the system, which will also be used when the team is in South Africa for next June’s World Cup to hold press conferences with the media back in Germany.

Squad members will also be able to use the system to speak to their family when the tournament is on, from June 11 to July 11.

The draw for the 2010 World Cup is being held in Cape Town on Friday.