Löw: Socceroos no longer play ‘British style’

Aidan Ormond 1427148240,1512100167

Germany manager Joachim Löw says the Socceroos have evolved their style of play since 2010 when Germany beat Australia 4-0 at the FIFA World Cup.

Speaking on the eve of the two teams’ friendly in Kaiserslautern on Wednesday night (Thursday morning AEDT), Löw noted the change in Australia under coach Ange Postecoglou, who has revolutionised the side in the last 17 months.

“It’ll be a good test for us as they never give up and they play a similar way to Ireland and Scotland.

“They had their own style but since 2010 they have changed the way they play.

“They played in a British style in 2010 but now they try to play out from the back,” he told the German FA ( http://www.dfb.de ).

Back in 2010, Germany hammered Australia 4-0 at the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The Aussies were coached by Dutchman Pim Verbeek back then.

Meanwhile, Low revealed Germany will be without World Goalkeeper of the Year Manuel Neuer for his side’s clash with the Green and Gold due to swelling on his knee.

It’s likely that returnees Holger Badstuber and Ilkay Gündogan will both start the game, with Bastian Schweinsteiger also making a return to the side.

However, the coach was coy on the formation of his side for their clash with Postecoglou's men.

“I’m not 100% sure yet as to how we’ll play. I’ll wait and see after the final training session today and I’ll have a chat to the players that played on Sunday.

“We want to ensure that everyone is ready both physically and mentally for Sunday. Both Holger Badstuber and Ilkay Gündogan will probably play against Australia and I envisage that they will both start.”

*Germany will wear black armbands in honour of those who died in a plane crash in the French Alps overnight. There’ll also be a minute’s silence.