Deschamps lauds Germany´s progress

5 February 2013 03:15

France coach Didier Deschamps has credited Joachim Loew for masterminding Germany's resurgence on the international stage.

Deschamps said France had a lot to learn from Loew, who guided Germany to the last four at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2012.

France entertain Germany at the Stade de France, Paris, on Wednesday as both teams continue to prepare for their next World Cup qualifiers.

"Germany are a model team," Deschamps said.

"They knew how to change their football. It started somewhere around 2000-2004, they maintained their roots.

"They are warriors with physical impact, players good at playing one-on-one, but they added new qualities with the arrival of quick and technical players, like (Mesut) Ozil, even though (Marco) Reus and (Mario) Gotze are missing.

"It's the philosophy of Joachim Loew. He wanted to change things; he wants a team who can create problems for the opponent with an attacking playing style.

"It gave them good results in the big tournaments even though they did not win.

"It's a team which scores a lot. It's true that they concede many goals too, like the game against Sweden where they were winning 4-0.

"Their last game was a 0-0 against Netherlands, but their attacking style is interesting."

France ended 2012 on a positive note with a 1-1 draw against Spain in Madrid and a 2-1 win over Italy in Parma.

"Now we've got the game with one difference - playing again at the Stade de France," Deschamps said.

"That means we have to get used to that venue again, and the fans.

"Of course, it's a glamorous game because it's against Germany, and also because of the two very important games we'll play at the end of March."

France face Georgia and Spain in World Cup qualifiers in March, while Germany take on Kazakhstan home and away.