Loew to choose defensive replacement

Germany coach Joachim Loew says he is unsure whether Benedikt Howedes or Lars Bender will start against Denmark in Sunday’s Euro 2012 clash.

Bayern Munich Jerome Boateng defender picked up yellow cards in his side’s victories against Portugal and Netherlands, meaning he will watch his side’s final group game from the stands.

And national coach Loew is thinking of several alternatives for the suspended defender, with Schalke’s Howedes and Bender of Bayer Leverkusen competing to take his place.

“There are reflections about who starts between Howedes and Bender,” Loew told a press conference.

Schalke skipper Howedes is said to be the most likely candidate to supplement Boateng against Denmark despite not being a natural right-back.

“Howedes’ best qualities are displayed as a centre-back but he has already played as a full-back for us,” Loew said.

Despite picking up six points from their opening group games, Germany’s presence in the quarter-finals of the competition is yet to be confirmed, and the 52-year-old coach urged his troops to finish the job in Lviv.

“It is all in our hands. Another victory would be important because it would allow us to top the group and stay in Danzig for the sequel,” he said.