Schweinsteiger ready for combative game

The Germany squad are currently in a Frankfurt training camp ahead of flying to Ireland for Friday’s Brazil 2014 qualifier.  Bayern Munich midfielder Bastein Schweinsteiger is looking forward to the game and another opportunity for him to play in Dublin.

"I have had the pleasure of playing in Ireland before," said Schweinsteiger recalling the 0-0 draw with the Boys in Green in 2007.  The point from the game in Croke Park cemented Germany’s qualification for EURO 2008 so he has fond memories of Dublin.

"It is always something really special to play in Ireland.  It is not easy to win a game there because the Irish are very strong and combative, play with heart and have an experienced coach.  Also they have a passionate crowd; the atmosphere there is always fantastic."

Schweinsteiger missed Germany’s wins in September over the Faroe Islands and Austria and is glad he has overcome an early season injury to now return to the national team squad.  He has scored three goals from seven appearances for Bayern Munich this season.  "I am grateful to the coach that I was given the time to get completely fit," said the 28 year old who has 96 international caps. "I feel fit now, which is why things are going well for me at the moment.  I hope things carry on this way."

Since the weekend, both the Irish and German managers have been dealing with the loss of players due to injury.  For Friday’s game German boss, Joachim Loew knew coming into the week he would have to deal without his suspended captain Phillip Lahm and injured striker Mario Gomez.  However, since naming his squad last Friday, Lars Bender, Mats Hummels and Ilkay Gundogan have all had to withdraw due to injury.

Loew called up Heiko Westermann and the 29-year-old player spoke to www.dfb.de today about his return to the German squad after a break of two years.  “I am delighted to be back, that's obvious,” said the Hamburg defender.  “It's great to be back with the national team and it makes me proud that I was able to regain a place.”

Westermann knows what is required from himself and his teammates as they face into games against Ireland and Sweden over the next week.  “With the team I want to win both games and thus come closer to the World Cup in Brazil. That's why I'm here, regardless of whether I get to play or not.  The most important thing is that we win both games. Anything else would be a disappointment.”

If the players are successful in qualifying Germany for Brazil, each player will get €20,000 for each qualification appearance.  The bonus is only payable on qualification so no Brazil means no bonus!