FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Germany will host Belgium in a friendly match in March as both teams seek to put their disappointing World Cup group stage elimination behind them, the German Soccer Federation said Friday.
Germany host Peru in Mainz on March 25 for their first match since the World Cup and host Belgium in Cologne three days later.
As hosts of next year’s European Championship, Germany have secured their place in the tournament and are playing friendlies instead of qualifying matches.
Belgium begins its campaign to seek its ticket on March 24 against Sweden before facing Germany.
“Preparations to host the European Championship begin against Peru and Belgium,” German coach Hansi Flick said in a statement. “We are excited about this tournament and want to develop an exciting and energetic team that will play attractive and successful football for Germany.”
“Right now,” he added. “We want to try a couple of things, which means making risky, surprise decisions. We can’t wait for the matches, everyone is excited and ready to go.”
Germany have won 20 of 25 meetings against Belgium, but they haven’t met since 2011.
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