National football team: DFB tests against Peru and Belgium

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Hansi Flick's national team meets Peru and Belgium at the end of March

Photo: ALEXANDER HASSENSTEIN;

GETTY IMAGES/Getty Images

The German national soccer team meets Peru and Belgium in the first international matches since the World Cup preliminary round in Qatar.

As the German Football Association decided on Friday, the South Americans will be the opening opponents this year in Mainz on March 25, followed by the neighborhood duel with Belgium in Cologne on March 28.

Until the European Championships at home in summer 2024, the DFB selection only has to play friendlies.

As the DFB also announced, national coach Hansi Flick wants to announce his squad for the two games on March 17th.

"We're really looking forward to the games - everyone's dying for it to finally start again," said Flick.

The long preparation for the European Championship begins for his team.

"We're looking forward to this tournament with great anticipation and want to develop a team that plays football attractively and successfully for Germany with passion, enthusiasm and pride," said Flick.

"For us it is now important to try a few things, and we will make courageous and surprising decisions," added the 57-year-old.

The “Sport Bild” recently reported that Flick is still building on the veteran Thomas Müller, but wants to do without the 33-year-old in the first games of the year.

The FC Bayern Munich offensive player, who himself had announced that he would always be available, should be given a break.

Ter Stegen replaces Neuer, Völler replaces Bierhoff

So far, no national player has announced his retirement after the World Cup.

After captain Manuel Neuer broke his leg, his long-time deputy Marc-André ter Stegen is considered number one in goal.

Former world champion and team boss Rudi Völler will then return to the DFB selection, this time in his role as successor to director Oliver Bierhoff, who left the DFB after the World Cup.

cev/dpa