Neid reveals champions' hand

Germany coach Silvia Neid has opted for experience after announcing her 22-player party for UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ and described it as "a difficult decision" to chop down her initial squad as the world champions bid for a fifth straight European title in Finland.

Tough call
Following Wednesday's 0-0 draw with Japan in Mannheim, Neid had to reduce her preliminary squad, who had originally met up for pre-tournament preparations on 22 June, by four players and conceded it was tough to inform those that had missed out. "Every player pulled her weight right from the beginning," Neid said. "I would have preferred to take them all. Unfortunately, I had to tell Isabell Bachor, Navina Omilade, Alisa Vetterlein and Lena Goessling that they will not play at the EURO."

Flexibility
Sixteen of the players who were involved in Germany's successful FIFA Women's World Cup defence in China two years ago have been included. Nadine Angerer will be the team's first-choice goalkeeper while Neid believes her defensive selection gives the side plenty of versatility. "This gives us good options in quality and quantity," she added. "Also, these players are very flexible, as some of them can play different positions in defence." The 45-year-old, who took over at the helm after Germany's 2005 triumph in England, is also pleased her midfield and attacking choices give her various options. "We have poachers and wingers who are dangerous in front of goal, can deliver good crosses while also not neglecting their defensive duties."

Schedule
Neid's side play their last friendly against Russia in Bochum on 6 August, 18 days before opening their Group B campaign as they are rematched with the side they beat in the 2005 final, Norway. That game, like the subsquent fixtures against Iceland and France, will be played in Tampere.

Germany squad
Goalkeepers: Nadine Angerer (1. FFC Frankfurt), Ursula Holl (FCR 2001 Duisburg), Lisa Weiss (SG Essen-Schönebeck).

Defenders: Saskia Bartusiak (1. FFC Frankfurt), Sonja Fuss (1. FC Köln), Ariane Hingst (1. FFC Frankfurt), Annike Krahn (FCR 2001 Duisburg), Babett Peter (1. FFC Turbine Potsdam), Bianca Schmidt (1. FFC Turbine Potsdam), Kerstin Stegemann (Herforder SV).

Midfielders: Linda Bresonik (FCR 2001 Duisburg), Kerstin Garefrekes (1. FFC Frankfurt), Kim Kulig (Hamburger SV), Simone Laudehr (FCR 2001 Duisburg), Jennifer Zietz (1. FFC Turbine Potsdam).

Forwards: Fatmire Bajramaj (1. FFC Turbine Potsdam), Melanie Behringer (FC Bayern München), Inka Grings (FCR 2001 Duisburg), Anja Mittag (1. FFC Turbine Potsdam), Martina Müller (VfL Wolfsburg), Célia Okoyino da Mbabi (SC 07 Bad Neuenahr), Birgit Prinz (1. FFC Frankfurt).