Loew glad W.Cup form lingering despite Sweden draw

Although his side’s dull goalless draw with Sweden signaled a drab end to their 2010 programme, Germany coach Joachim Loew is delighted his side’s World Cup form continues in their Euro 2012 campaign.

Loew gave debuts to four players on a bitterly cold night in Gothenburg on Wednesday as his side, composed mainly of youngsters plucked from the Under-21 team, produced little to warm their travelling fans.

But Germany’s 2010 campaign will forever be remembered for the attractive brand of football Loew’s side played as they finished third in the World Cup.

They have carried that form into their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign and after four wins from four, they are five-points clear at the top of Group A.

“The World Cup was certainly the highlight of this year, but I am also very pleased that we have transferred the good performances seamlessly into the Euro 2012 qualifiers,” said Loew.

“After a year like that, it was not a given that we would do so well in the Euro qualifiers.”

Loew’s side now have a three-month break from international duty before they play Italy in Dortmund in a friendly on February 9.

Stars like midfielders Mesut Ozil, Thomas Mueller, striker Miroslav Klose and defender Philipp Lahm were missing in Gothenburg as Dortmund’s Marcel Schmelzer, 22, and 18-year-old Mario Goezte made their debuts.

Mainz pair Lewis Holtby and Andre Schuerrle also won their first caps, but while Loew was enthusiastic about the quartet, Germany’s performance will be quickly forgotten.

The Germans struggled to produce a single clear chance to score and at the other end, goalkeeper Rene Adler did not have a save to make all evening.

Loew has warned his players not to rest on their laurels and the 50-year-old is mindful his side face South American giants Brazil next August in Stuttgart before they finish their Euro 2012 qualifier campaign in late 2011.

“I will never accept that we are negligent and suffer setbacks,” he said with Germany still facing six Euro 2012 qualifiers in 2011.

“The team made a big leap forward this year, but we will keep working and continue to develop.

“It starts for us in 2011 with the game against Italy and will have a strong opponent in Brazil waiting for us.”

Both midfielder Holtby and Dortmund defender Mats Hummels impressed Loew against Sweden, who seemed content to defend.

“Mats Hummels was very confident in defence and responded well to the long balls,” said Loew.

“I never had the feeling he could have problems and, likewise, I was impressed with Lewis Holtby.

“From the first training session on Monday, he did remarkably well.

“He is technically strong, takes good options and is very safe on the ball.”

With Sami Khedira and Bastian Schweinsteiger forging a good partnership in the heart of Germany’s midfield, Loew has backed captain Michael Ballack to return from injury and win back his place.

“I’ve always said that I still expect Michael Ballack to return,” said Loew.

“He was now been injured half a year and has not played.

“When players drop out because of injury, then other players step up.

“Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira did well at the World Cup.

“But I am confident Michael Ballack will come back and I know he is working hard to return.”