The biggest news ahead of the International friendly between Germany and Netherlands is that Die Nationalmannschaft captain Bastian Schweinsteiger will be rested for the clash between two of Europe’s biggest heavyweights.
Schweinsteiger has reportedly been left quite shaken after the Paris attacks, during which he was leading Germany in the international friendly against France on Friday night. Gunmen with suicide bomb vests attacked different areas of the French capital, killing at least 129 people and injuring hundreds more.
One of the attempts was also on the Stade de France, where the friendly match was going on. However, the man with the suicide vest was not allowed into the stadium and he reportedly detonated the bomb outside, killing three people.
The German team, as well as the French squad, had to stay in the stadium’s dressing room overnight due to security fears.
After the incident, Schweinsteiger was left distraught and thus will be rested by Germany coach Joachim Loew in the match against the Netherlands, according to Evening Standard. The German captain also posted emotional messages on his Twitter account.
#PrayForParis #PrayForBeirut pic.twitter.com/rgok26vi4X
a Basti Schweinsteiger (@BSchweinsteiger) November 15, 2015
Loew to rest other key players too
Schweinsteiger is not the only player to have been left shaken by the Paris attacks, and manager Joachim Loew will also be giving a much needed layoff to some of his other senior players. The likes of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, and forward Lukas Podolski will also be rested along with the German captain.
“[Jerome] Boateng and [Jonas] Hector are injured and won’t be there on Tuesday,” Loew was quoted as saying in FourFourTwo.
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While this match is being played between two arch rivals, the intensity will be somewhat diluted by the fact that both the sides would be mourning for the victims of the Paris attacks. This match is seen more as a stand against terror, rather than a top-draw clash between two footballing titans.