Germany coach urges players to stay focused

Fortaleza (Brazil), June 21 (IANS/EFE) Germany coach Joachim Loew has urged his side to stay focused and avoid surprises when they face Ghana in Group G of the FIFA World Cup here Saturday.

Despite winning 4-0 over Portugal in their first match, Loew said the players have to be very careful and pay attention referring to what happened in 2008 Euro and 2010 World Cup when they won the first match and lost the second, reports EFE.

The 54-year-old also compared the situation to what happened to Italy, who won their first match against England 2-1 and then lost 0-1 to Costa Rica.

Loew praised Ghana's fit players, saying that they are strong and likely to strike. On the other hand, he said that defender Mats Hummels may not play as he is not 100 percent fit. Hummels suffered a bruise during Portugal's match.

Germany take on Ghana at the Estádio Castelão.

--IANS/EFE

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