International against Netherlands to go ahead

The Germany senior side’s international friendly against the Netherlands on Tuesday will go ahead as planned. After the events in Paris on Friday, the head of DFB and the sporting management held talks about how to proceed. The result was an agreed stance for freedom and one against terror: Die Mannschaft will play.

Dr. Reinhard Rauball, head of the delegation and DFB vice-president, said: “The message is clear – we will not be intimidated by terror. The fact that the game against the Netherlands will go ahead just a few days after the atrocious events from the international in Paris, is a necessary step. Head coach Joachim Löw and every single player gave their respect for this demonstration of solidarity for the victims and the entire French population.”

Team manager Oliver Bierhoff explained: “We wanted to set a stance of togetherness as a team. With the French population, with all those connected to the victims. The whole team, players, coaches and backroom staff – it’s still affecting them a lot. They therefore all know how important it is to take a stance and campaign for our values and cultures as a national team. Under these circumstances, the on-pitch value of the game against the Netherlands is of course lower.” Die Mannschaft will assemble together again on Monday.

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