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German Roundup Kahn plays down importance of Scotland matchPosted: Wednesday June 04, 2003 8:03 PMBERLIN (Reuters) -- Germany captain Oliver Kahn has played down the importance of Saturday's Euro 2004 qualifier against Scotland and the fact that the hosts are coached by Berti Vogts. Germany head coach Rudi Voeller has described the Hampden Park clash as the most important game of the year for the 2002 World Cup runners-up. Many German fans think the match is even more special because Scotland are coached by Vogts, a former Germany defender and coach. "I don't care who their coach is," the Bayern Munich goalkeeper told reporters at Germany's training camp in Wolfsburg. "What I do care about is the outcome of the game." Germany are tied on seven points with Scotland and Lithuania at the top of Group Five, but are well placed to make next year's finals in Portugal having played three games compared to Scotland's four and Lithuania's five. Victory over Scotland on Saturday would put Germany in the driving seat to secure first place in the group and direct qualification. That in turn would add to the worries for the embattled Vogts, whose men were held to a 1-1 draw by New Zealand last week -- the latest in a series of poor results. "To say that game is like a final makes no sense," Khan said. "There's another game against Scotland to come, and several other games as well." Kahn did help Bayern to a domestic league and cup double this season but their early exit from the Champions League gave him little chance to shine on the bigger stage. "I didn't have many opportunities to show what I can do this season," he said. "I love big games and this is one." Kahn said he was convinced Germany would win the group and avoid a playoff. "I expect we will qualify relatively easily," he said.
Study: German referees favor home teamsBERLIN (Reuters) -- Visiting fans have always felt Bundesliga referees favored the home team and now researchers have come up with scientific evidence to back the theory. "There is a massive and unfair preference for the home team," reads the conclusion of a study by Matthias Sutter and Martin Kocher from the University of Innsbruck in Austria. The pair examined every game from the 2000-2001 German league season. Referees gave more added time when the home side were trailing and more penalties in the hosts' favor while the visitors received significantly more red cards, the study shows. Stress resulting from the pressure from the home crowd is to blame and the researchers suggest video evidence should be used to avoid controversial decisions. The study is yet to be released but was presented by German weekly Die Zeit in its issue to be published on Thursday.
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. |
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