Hildebrand in frame for Portugal
Thursday, March 25, 2004
Article summary
Germany coach Rudi Völler has included goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand in his squad to face Belgium.
Article body
Germany coach Rudi Völler has announced his squad for next Wednesday's friendly against Belgium in Cologne and included VfB Stuttgart goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand for the first time. With Oliver Kahn rested for this match Arsenal FC goalkeeper Jens Lehmann is expected to start with Hildebrand on the bench.
Memorable campaign
The call-up caps a memorable campaign for the 24-year-old shot-stopper, who has already set a Bundesliga record of 884 minutes without conceding a goal this season, as well as impressing in the UEFA Champions League. Hildebrand now looks a good bet for one of the three goalkeeping positions in Völler's 22-man squad for UEFA EURO 2004™.
Lahm back
Elsewhere, Hildebrand's Stuttgart team-mate Philipp Lahm has been called up again after making an impressive debut against Croatia last time out. Michael Ballack returns to the squad after missing that match through injury.
Germany squad
Lehmann, Hildebrand, Friedrich, Lahm, Nowotny, Wörns, Baumann, Rahn, Ballack, Frings, Ernst, Freier, Hamann, Jeremies, Kehl, Ramelow, Schneider, Bobic, Klose, Kuranyi, Neuville.