Germany play down plastic pitch fears in Russia showdown

Oct 6, 2009, 14:02 GMT

Mainz, Germany - Germany Tuesday played down fears of taking on Russia on an artificial surface in a crucial World Cup qualifier in Moscow on Saturday.

Coach Joachim Loew said his team would approach the match with confidence despite a first-ever international for a Germany side on an artificial turf.

However the coach indicated his team selection might depend on what players he feels suits the surface better.

'As far as the formation is concerned we are considering which players are predestined for the job to de done on an artificial surface,' he said.

Loew's squad trained on a similar surface in Mainz on Tuesday, one of five sessions on the so-called plastic pitch ahead of Saturday's match at Luzhniki Stadium.

'We have to get used to it, and then in two days it won't be an issue,' he said.

Germany are just one point clear of Russia in Group 4 and will ensure qualification for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa with a win against Guus Hiddink's side.

   If they don't win, direct qualification will be decided four days later when Germany play Finland in Hamburg and Russia meet Azerbaijan in Baku.

Loew said Germany had always shown it could call on its qualities when it counted.

'We mustn't allow ourselves to be distracted,' he said. 'We want to go Moscow full of confidence. We know we have every chance.'

Captain Michael Ballack also played down concerns over playing on an artificial surface.

'The ball rolls and it's even. There are also advantages,' he said. 'We shouldn't give it too much significance.'