Pride atstake

> Relegated Germany have nothing else to play for against Netherlands

the biggest pressure since he took over after the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

“Our sights are now as before clearly in the direction of Euro 2020 for which we will qualify and again have a strong team,” Loew said.

“On the way there we will continue to make room for our young players and steadily introduce them to the national team.

“We want a good game in Gelsenkirchen on Monday to say farewell from our fans from what has been a disappointing year.”

The team trained for a last time in Leipzig on Saturday before transferring to Gelsenkirchen yesterday.

Loew will no doubt be making some changes from the team that defeated Russia 3-0 in a friendly on Thursday.

Midfielder Toni Kroos is back in the frame after being rested, but there were question marks over Cologne defender Jonas Hector and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Marco Reus, who has bruising to a foot.

The Dutch, who failed to qualify for the World Cup in Russia, are meanwhile enjoying a renaissance with Ronald Koeman at the helm.

The Flying Dutchmen looked full of confidence in their deserved victory over France, whose 15game unbeaten run came to an end.

A Dutch draw in Germany would see them win the group, taking them to the Nations League finals at the expense of France, who had needed a point in Rotterdam to seal top spot. However, France will top the group if the Germans win.

Praise for the Dutch national team came yesterday from the country’s media, with Algemeen Dagblad saying that in the first half it felt “more like the Oranje against Albania or Iceland as Oranje against the proud world champions.”

De Volkskrant wrote: “Germany are the opponents on Monday, a Germany relegated from from the Nations League. Who would have thought that a few months ago?” – dpa