U21 hopefuls forced into late changes
Tuesday, November 8, 2005
Article summary
Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands have had to tinker with their squads ahead of this week's first-leg matches in the qualifying play-offs.
Article body
With the first legs of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying play-offs taking place this weekend, uefa.com rounds up the latest news.
Germany have called up midfielder Nico Herzig from second division side SV Wacker Burghausen for their play-off against the Czech Republic following the withdrawals of VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach's Eugen Polanski and Marek Brzenska of BV Borussia Dortmund with ankle injuries.
Coach Dieter Eilts said: "He really deserves to be part of the squad because of his excellent recent performances. The two matches will be tough for us. The Czechs are very skilful. But my side have a lot of talent and I am convinced we will remain unbeaten to reach the final tournament."
Denmark winger Michael Krohn-Dehli has failed to overcome his knee injury in time to take his place in the squad to face Russia. The RKC Waalwijk player will be replaced by Brøndby IF defender Henrik Kildentoft. Coach Flemming Serritslev said: "I think we are pretty well covered in Krohn-Dehli's position, while Henrik Kildentoft can play in several positions in defence."
Feyenoord winger Tim Vincken, himself a late call-up, is out of the Netherlands squad for their play-off against Slovenia with a broken leg but his withdrawal has created a chance for ADO Den Haag attacker Wesley Verhoek. Vincken will be out of action for at least three months.