GERMANY WILL GO into Euro 2012 with the services of just two frontline strikers after their squad was announced on Tuesday.
Mario Gomez of Bayern Munich and Lazio forward Miroslav Klose will carry the weight of their country’s goalscoring hopes as coach Joachim Loew has decided to stack his deck with attacking midfielders.
Arsenal new signing Lucas Podolski and Marco Reus of Borussia Moenchengladbach can also play up front but often operate in support roles for Germany or as attacking wingers.
German supporters will not fret unduly however as their team qualified comfortably for the tournament while playing a solo striker.
They can also boast the attacking talents of Thomas Mueller (Bayern Munich), Mesut Ozil (Real Madrid) and Mario Goetze (Borussia Dortmund).
Five goals conceded? Take the summer off
There was no place in the squad for Borussia Mönchengladbach goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who shipped five goals in the weekend defeat to Switzerland.
Stuttgart striker Cacau was another player to get the axe from Loew. He said:
It was clear to me from the start that the competition for the 23 slots was going to be very close. I did my best.
“I am disappointed but I still feel a member of the team and I wish them to play a great tournament.”
Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Tim Wiese (Werder Bremen), Ron-Robert Zieler (Hanover)
Defenders: Holger Badstuber (Bayern Munich), Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Benedikt Hoewedes (Schalke 04), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Marcel Schmelzer (Borussia Dortmund), Per Mertesacker (Arsenal)
Midfielders: Lars Bender (Bayer Leverkusen), Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich), Thomas Mueller (Bayern Munich), Mesut Oezil (Real Madrid), Andre Schuerrle (Bayer Leverkusen), Sami Khedira (Real Madrid), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich), Mario Goetze (Borussia Dortmund), Ilkay Guendogan (Borussia Dortmund)
Forwards: Mario Gomez (Bayern Munich), Miroslav Klose (Lazio), Lukas Podolski (Arsenal), Marco Reus (Borussia Moenchengladbach).
