Loew under pressure as Germany takes on Dutch

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) -Germany is aiming to finish a disappointing 2012 on a high by beating archrival the Netherlands for the third time in 12 months when they play Wednesday in this week's standout international friendly

Germany will be without the Bayern Munich trio of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Toni Kroos and Jerome Boateng as well as Lazio striker Miroslav Klose, Real Madrid midfielder Mesut Oezil and Borussia Dortmund's Marcel Schmelzer due to illness and injury.

Germany coach Joachim Loew is under pressure after Germany lost to Italy in the European Championship semifinals after beating the Netherlands. The team also squandered a 4-0 lead to draw 4-4 with Sweden in its last World Cup qualifier.

Key Netherlands players Wesley Sneijder and Robin van Persie are also out injured Wednesday when Italy also hosts France and Spain takes on Panama.