FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Germany will face Ghana in March in preparation for the World Cup after a draw precluded a scheduled friendly against Ivory Coast.
Germany and Ghana announced on Monday that they will play in Stuttgart on March 30, three days after coach Julian Nagelsmann’s side play away in Switzerland.
Ivory Coast had been announced as Germany’s opponents in Stuttgart, but the match was called off after both teams were drawn in their World Cup group with Ecuador and newcomers Curaçao.
Germany also has games scheduled against Finland and the United States near the tournament.
Ghana’s coach is German-born Otto Addo, who played for the Ghanaian national team and won the German league championship with Borussia Dortmund.
“I’m really looking forward to playing against Otto’s team. Their strong transition play will give us a preview of what to expect in the World Cup group game against Ivory Coast,” said Germany coach Nagelsmann.
After losing friendlies to South Korea and Japan last month, the game against Germany is an opportunity for Ghana to prepare to face the four-time World Cup champions before facing a tough group of England, Croatia and Panama at the World Cup.
Addo said: “This is a great opportunity for us to test ourselves against one of the best teams in the world. Germany are a good team and we can’t wait to play against them in Stuttgart.”
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