New Germany coach Joachim Loew has stuck by the squad that finished third at the World Cup under Juergen Klinsmann for his first match in charge, a friendly next Wednesday against Sweden.

Loew, promoted from assistant coach after Klinsmann stepped down last month, has made only one change - bringing in reserve defender Manuel Friedrich of Mainz as cover for injured centre-backs Per Mertesacker and Robert Huth.

The only other World Cup player not included is goalkeeper Oliver Kahn, who retired at the end of the tournament.

"The injury situation has opened the door for Manuel Friedrich and he will get another chance," said Loew. "He had a strong performance in the Bundesliga last season and only just missed winning a spot in the World Cup squad."

The game in Gelsenkirchen will be a re-match of the World Cup second round tie in which Germany beat 10-man Sweden 2-0.

Sweden coach Lars Lagerback came under pressure from the Swedish media to resign after the defeat in Munich but has stayed on.

Both sides will be preparing for their Euro 2008 qualifying campaigns, which Germany start against Ireland on Sept. 2 in Stuttgart and the Swedes are away to Latvia on the same day.

"We're looking forward to the tasks ahead and go into the season full of confidence," Loew said. "The Sweden match will revive special World Cup memories. But we realise the players are not yet in top form after the holiday break."

Squad

Goalkeepers: Lehmann (Arsenal), Hildebrand (VfB Stuttgart).

Defenders: A. Friedrich (Hertha Berlin), M. Friedrich (Mainz), Jansen (B. Moenchengladbach), Lahm (Bayern Munich), Metzelder (B. Dortmund), Nowotny (D. Zagreb).

Midfielders: Ballack (Chelsea), Borowski (Werder Bremen), Frings (Werder Bremen), Hitzlsperger (Stuttgart), Kehl (B. Dortmund), Odonkor (B. Dortmund), Schneider (B. Leverkusen), Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich).

Forwards: Asamoah (Schalke 04), Hanke (VfL Wolfsburg), Klose (Werder Bremen), Neuville (B. M'gladbach), Podolski (Bayern Munich).