Loew taking nothing for granted

Germany coach Joachim Loew insists the World Cup semi-finalists are still a long way from Euro 2012 qualification despite three wins from three as they prepare to face minnows Kazakhstan tomorrow.

Loew’s young guns beat main Group A rivals Turkey 3-0 in Berlin on Friday to top the group, having scored 10 goals and conceded just one, but now travel to face Kazakhstan who have three defeats.

After finishing third at the World Cup, Germany have continued their eye-catching form from South Africa into their Euro 2012 campaign, but Loew says the challenge is now to pick up a result in Astana.

“We have started well, but there is still a long way to go,” the 50-year-old told reporters.

“We solved the problem of how to beat Turkey and deserved to win, but we must continue that momentum.”

Normally a cool and collected figure on the sidelines during Germany games, Loew showed a rare display of anger on Friday night when Cologne striker Lukas Podolski fired wide of the goal with Germany protecting a slender 1-0 lead.

“It was a critical stage in the game,” explained Loew.

“We were 1-0 up, but the Turks were pushing for an equaliser and the goal would have calmed the game for us, that is why I got so annoyed.”

Talented midfielder Mesut Ozil is Germany’s main injury doubt for the trip to Kazakhstan and will have a fitness test today to see if he can play.

The Real Madrid midfielder scored the second goal against Turkey, but was replaced in the 90th minute as he struggled after injuring his left ankle in a clash with Turkey’s Servet Cetin.

Ozil did not train yesterday, but both the player and coach are optimistic he will play.

“If the ankle continues to improve, he should be able to train with the team,” said Loew.

The 21-year-old is eager to face Kazakhstan, ranked 119th in the world.

“I still have pain in the ankle, but I trust the excellent treatment from our national team doctors and physiotherapists. I hope that I will be fit and I want to play.”

If he fails to make it, Werder Bremen’s Marko Marin or Bayern Munich’s Toni Kroos will deputise in the middle of Germany’s attacking midfield.

Born-and-bred in Germany to Turkish parents, Ozil was booed every time he touched the ball on Friday at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium and Loew praised the youngster for showing a cool head.

“It was certainly not an easy situation for him,” admitted Loew.

“He’s really strong nerves. He has Turkish parents and has roots in Germany and Turkey.

“He was absolutely delighted with both the goal and his victory in the changing room afterwards.

“I had no doubts about playing him on Friday, I had a long talk with him before the game and felt that his situation would not be a factor.”

Germany will fly 4,000 kilometres to Kazakhstan’s Astana and Loew admitted the long fight poses a few problems.

“Waiting for us an arduous journey, a few hours in the air and a four-hour time difference,” he said.

“That won’t make it easy but I am convinced that my team will be up against the same fighting spirit the Turks showed in Kazakhstan.”