Youthful Germany frustrated by Poland

Germany's unfamiliar selection could not break the deadlock against Poland in Hamburg and had to settle for a goalless draw.

VfB Stuttgart's Antonio Rüdiger, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim's Sebastian Rudy and SC Freiburg's Matthias Ginter were among those in the starting XI, with FC Bayern München, Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal FC players missing out due to cup final duties and other leagues still in progress. 

As a result Joachim Löw's team boasted an average age of just 22 although the young side did include some players, like Kevin Volland and André Hahn, who still harbour hopes of making the final FIFA World Cup squad for Brazil.

The youthful lineup tried to win over the fans in Hamburg by attacking from the kick-off but they lacked the creativity and understanding of the usual Germany team. Volland and Julian Draxler, who captained his country for the first time at the age of 20, were lively in the first half while the guests needed more than 20 minutes to find their feet.

It was Rüdiger who had Germany's best and only real chance when Sławomir Peszko nodded his header off the goal line. After the break, the hosts remained on the front foot despite several substitutions while Poland were happy to drop deeper and look to play on the counterattack. Hahn went close with a bicycle kick shortly before time but the lack of a cutting edge from the home side ensured the match ended goalless.