Germany’s Loew taking nothing for granted

Germany coach Joachim Loew insists the World Cup semi-finalists are still a long way from Euro 2012 qualification despite three wins from three as they prepare to face minnows Kazakhstan on Tuesday.

Loew’s young guns beat main Group A rivals Turkey 3-0 in Berlin on Friday to top the group, having scored 10 goals and conceded just one, but now travel to face Kazakhstan who have three defeats.

After finishing third at the World Cup, Germany have continued their eye-catching form from South Africa into their Euro 2012 campaign, but Loew says the challenge is now to pick up a result in Astana.

“We have started well, but there is still a long way to go,” the 50-year-old told German daily Bild.

“We solved the problem of how to beat Turkey and deserved to win, but we must continue that momentum.”

Normally a cool and collected figure on the sidelines during Germany games, Loew showed a rare display of anger on Friday night when Cologne striker Lukas Podolski fired wide of the goal with Germany protecting a slender 1-0 lead.

“It was a critical stage in the game,” explained Loew.

“We were 1-0 up, but the Turks were pushing for an equalisier and the goal would have calmed the game for us, that is why I got so annoyed.”

Talented midfielder Mesut Ozil is Germany’s main injury doubt for the trip to Kazakhstan and will have a fitness test on Monday to see if he can play.

The Real Madrid star scored the second goal in the defeat of Turkey, but was replaced in the 90th minute as he struggled with his ankle problem.

The 21-year-old was due to miss training on Sunday but will “definitely” fly to Astana with the rest of the squad on Monday, said Loew.

Born-and-bred in Germany to Turkish parents, Ozil was booed every time he touched the ball on Friday at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium and Loew praised the youngster for showing a cool head.

“It was certainly not an easy situation for him,” admitted the national coach.

“He’s really strong nerves. He has Turkish parents and has roots in Germany and Turkey.

“He was absolutely delighted with both the goal and his victory in the changing room afterwards.

“I had no doubts about playing him, I had a long talk with him before the game and felt that his situation would not be a factor.”