FIRST TEAM
05/13/2014

International debuts for Volland and Rudy in the 0-0 draw against Poland

Germany national team manager Joachim Löw opted for eight debutants in the match against Poland. Amongst them were Hoffenheim players Kevin Volland and Sebastian Rudy. Volland started as a lone striker, while Rudy dictated the game, playing in a holding midfield pairing with Christoph Kramer.

Volland started well – he produced a left footed shot in the fourth minute but his effort was blocked and cleared for a corner. The TSG men had to work hard after this chance and make lots of tackles. Germany were unable to find much space in the two staggered rows of Polish defence.

The striker was in the limelight again in the 35th minute: He fell to the floor in the Poland box after a coming together but the referee adjudged it not to be a penalty. National team manager Joachim Löw was already singing the Hoffenheim man's praises before the game. “He's very dynamic, determined, has poacher instincts and a great physique.” He called his young team ‘the face of the future'.

Rudy stands out

Sebastian Rudy was a prominent figure in midfield in a youthful Germany XI. He had already had 52 touches of the ball before the break and also won the most tackles of all German players on the pitch. He was also one of the few players who lasted the whole 90 minutes.

Kevin Volland had a tough time after the break though and was involved in lots of challenges. He clashed heads with an opponent in an aerial challenge in the 67th minute and went to ground. Bavarian-born Volland managed to shake himself off, but was then substituted just three minutes later. Sebastian Jung came on in his place. He was the first Germany player to be interviewed in front of the TV cameras after the final whistle. “Poland were in good shape and always marked me tight. That made things difficult for me. I was well coached during my youth as a lone striker. I'm happy that I could make my first appearance for my country. Now I'll just wait and see what comes next.”

All in all, it was two good debuts for our Hoffenheim players in Germany's 0-0 draw against Poland, who defended very well. Both of them were put into a young and inexperienced team by national team manager Joachim Löw and did the world of good for their future in a Germany shirt. Joachim Löw will submit his squad to FIFA on Wednesday night for the training camp in South Tyrol – he will take 25 or 26 players with him.

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