German team touch down in Dubai

The German national team touched down in Dubai on Saturday evening on an Emirates flight from Shanghai.

Germany fought from an early goal to hold China to a 1-1 draw in an international friendly late on Friday and then took the next flight out to land in Dubai.

"The weather and the effects of the long nine-hour flight may prove important when we play against the UAE," stated Bayern Munich star Philipp Lahm.

"It was difficult against China yesterday...it may be more difficult against the UAE on Tuesday," he shrugged.

Coach Joachim Loew was excited about the prospects of leading a transitional German side against the UAE. "I am aware of how they play and considering the 2010 Fifa World Cup qualifiers, I am taking this friendly very seriously," Loew told Gulf News.

"For us this match will be part of our building up exercise for this team," he added.

Germany will play the UAE in an international friendly at the Al Nasr Club ground at 10 pm on June 2.

The German side has most of its stars in its fold barring influential playmaker and captain Michael Ballack who played last night in Chelsea's win against Everton in the FA Cup final.


[Gulf News]