Germany eased past Bosnia-Herzegovina 3-1 in their final warm-up for the 2010 World Cup with Bastian Schweinsteiger converting two penalties within four minutes in the second half. In the Bundesliga, the biggest news is that Hamit Altintop extended until 2012 with the German double winners Bayern Munich.
Schweinsteiger gives Germany win
Germany dropped behind early on Edin Dzeko’s goal after 15 minutes. But Joachim Loew’s men had plenty of offense in the first half, including Lukas Podolski hitting the crossbar in the ninth minute.
Just five minutes after the re-start Philipp Lahm struck a fine blast off the lower half of the crossbar to equalise. And Schweinsteiger twice hit from the spot in the 73rd and 77th minutes.
All told, the Germans looked strong offensively, with Werder teammates Marko Marin and Mesut Oezil both creating a lot of push in the attack along with Cacau.
“In the second half, we stepped it up a bit. It was excellent how the team increased the tempo. I think we had some good chances throughout the whole game. So that’s why I think the victory was deserved,” said Loew.
“We did not just win 3-1, we also played some good football. But a friendly is a friendly. We have to play even better against Australia,” said Schweinsteiger about Germany’s first World Cup game against Australia.
Hamit Altintop extends with Bayern Munich
Turkish international Hamit Altintop and German double winners Bayern Munich agreed prematurely to an additional year on his contract until June 30, 2012.
The 27-year-old Altintop arrived at Bayern before the 2007-08 season and has won two Bundesliga titles and two German Cup crowns. He has played 49 Bundesliga games in that stretch, scoring five goals.
Eintracht Frankfurt get Tzavellas and Rode
Eintracht Frankfurt continued forming their team for next season with the addition of Greek Georgios Tzavellas and Germany U20 international Sebastian Rode.
Tzavellas, 22, comes from Panionios Athens and signed a three-year deal until 2013. The 19-year-old midfielder Rode arrives from Kickers Offenbach, agreeing to a deal until 30 June 2014.
Nurnberg complete loan of Schieber from Stuttgart
Nurnberg finalized a deal with Stuttgart for the loan of German U21 international Julian Schieber for next season. Nurnberg will pay about 500,000 euro for the loan of the striker and there is no buyout option.
Hannover sign keeper Miller, center back Pogatetz
Hannover coach Mirko Slomka made two moves to re-shape the team he took over late last season, bringing in goalkeeper Markus Miller from Karlsruhe and Austrian international center back Emanuel Pogatetz.
Miller, 28, signed a one-year deal after coming over without a transfer fee. Pogatetz, 27, also was a free transfer from English second division side Middlesbrough and agreed to a contract until 2013.
Aerts takes over between Hertha posts
Dutch goalkeeper Maikel Aerts will take over between the posts at Hertha Berlin for next season, replacing the departing Jaroslav Drobny.
The 33-year-old Aerts agreed to a two-year contract after arriving without a transfer fee from Dutch top flight side Willem II Tilburg.
“This is really interesting for me, it will be a big challenge. I would like to help Hertha return to the Bundesliga next season,” said Aerts, who played 197 games in the Dutch first division for Tilburg, Feyenoord Rotterdam, RBC Roosendaal, Germinal Beerschot Antwerpen and FC Den Bosch.
German U19 women lose in Euro semis
Germany’s U19 women international team missed the chance of reaching the finals of the U19 European Championship by losing 6-4 on penalties against France after a 1-1 score in 120 minutes.
The French will face off against England in the final in Macedonia. The English beat the Netherlands 5-4 in penalties.