Löw looks to fringe players

Germany coach Joachim Löw will give several fringe players the chance to impress in the final World Cup qualifier against Finland in Hamburg.

Löw’s men made sure of their place in South Africa next summer with a hard-fought 1-0 win in Russia on Saturday, Miroslav Klose’s first-half goal proving the difference.

And with nothing at stake against the Finns, Löw is set to rest some of his big names at the Nordbank Arena.

He explained: “In defence we will begin with Arne Friedrich, in a defensive midfield role Thomas Hitzlsperger will win his 50th cap while, in attack, Cacau will start.

“We will also talk with some other players after training.”

Löw had already announced Hoffenheim full-back Andreas Beck and Hamburg winger Piotr Trochowski would be part of the starting XI.

Captain Michael Ballack is set to play some part after it was revealed an ankle injury sustained in Moscow was not as serious as first feared.

Löw added: “I could let Michael Ballack play 45 or 60 minutes and then replace him with Christian Gentner.”

Rene Adler will again be between the posts after his wonderful display against Russia although Löw suggested Tim Wiese would get his chance against Chile in November while Manuel Neuer would start the friendly against Egypt four days later.

Even though qualification is secured, Löw denied suggestions his side would be lacking motivation.

“We have had two days to enjoy ourselves but the concentration is now on the game,” he said.

“We will approach the game with maximum seriousness. The squad will find the correct attitude and concentration.”

Even though his focus is firmly trained on tomorrow’s game, Löw could not help a sneaky look towards next summer’s finals.

Qualification has seen levels of optimism go through the roof in Germany but Löw is not sure whether his side has the quality to go all the way and lift the trophy.

“The basis for a successful 2010 campaign is good. We have for example players like (Mesut) Ozil, who have made a swift leap into the senior side,” he told German newspaper Bild.

“But whether it will be enough to win the title I cannot say.

“There are also many short-term issues which could make the difference.

“It is naturally my aim to win the World Cup with Germany but for that to happen everything must run perfectly.”

Finland, like Germany, have nothing riding on the outcome of the game with third place in Group Four already assured.

It has been a promising qualifying campaign for the Finns, which has led to speculation linking coach Stuart Baxter with the Sweden job.

Current Sweden boss Lars Lagerback has announced he will stand down from the post if his side fail to reach the finals and after the tournament if they do make it to South Africa.

Baxter has experience of working in the country after spells with club sides AIK and Halmstad but is committed to Finland having recently signed a contract which will keep him in the post until after the 2012 European Championships.

He said: “I woke up to find myself seemingly on a three-man shortlist to take over Sweden.

“The Finnish FA have had to issue a denial. They are already making moves about me signing another contract extension and that is what I want to do.”