Germany held to goalless draw by Poland at friendly

Berlin, May 14 (IANS) Germany’s second-string side with many youngsters were unable to break the deadlock against passive visitors from Poland at an international friendly Tuesday.

Germany’s national soccer team dominated the one sided affair but lacked in penetration against the visitors, Xinhua reported.

Germany coach Joachim Loew presented an experimental squad as the majority of the players were absent due to the German Cup final between Dortmund and Bayern Saturday. Thus Loew assembled a starting squad composed of eight youngsters that presented themselves for the first time in the Germany dress.

However, these youngster took the reins from the kick off meanwhile Poland showed no interest to score.

Schalke’s Leon Goretzka came close for the first time when he forced Poland custodian Artur Boruc to a save at the 24th minute. The visitors created their first noteworthy opportunity at the 32nd minute when Mateusz Klich got his effort on target.

Nevertheless, Germany had the best chance before the break but Slawomir Peszko cleared Antonio Ruedigers’ header off the goal line at the 33rd minute.

After the break many substitutions disrupted the rhythm. The Germans tried to reach success with long-range efforts whereas Poland defended deep. Andre Hahn almost snatched a late winner but his sideways scissor kick was also cleared off the goal line at the 84th minute.

Germany will play their next international friendly against Cameroon June 1.