Germany getting stronger, Loew warns

Germany coach Joachim Loew warned his country's World Cup rivals yesterday that his team are "technically stronger" going into the 2010 edition than in 2006.

Germany finished third at the 2006 World Cup which they hosted and were runners-up to Spain in the 2008 European championships in Austria and Switzerland.

"Tactically we're stronger than in 2006 and 2008," Loew told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

"We haven't shown this ability during all our qualifiers. But when matches became crucial, such as against Russia, we gave an extremely good tactical showing. We wouldn't have been capable of that four years ago."

Despite his confidence in his side, Loew is taking nothing for granted in next year's finals in South Africa where Germany have been drawn in Group D with Australia, Serbia and Ghana.

"Those who talk of a lucky draw are badly informed," said Loew.

Serbia "play an incredibly good football" while Ghana, whom he considers the top African team along with Algeria, are "physical... with great speed and lots of stamina."

"Australians fear no-one and nothing. The players take risks with their British-inspired attitude and have a very positive attitude," Loew said