A second-string Germany team launched the country’s World Cup preparations with a lacklustre 0-0 draw against Poland in a friendly international on Tuesday less than a month before the start of the finals in Brazil.<\/p>\n
With an average age of 21.5 years and eight players in the starting lineup making their international debuts, it was clear that conclusions about Germany’s readiness for the tournament would be hard to make.<\/p>\n
Coach Joachim Loew used the game to give younger players a chance to prove themselves with regard to future Germany teams. He made 20-year-old Schalke 04\u00a0midfielder Julian Draxler, who is expected to make the cut for Brazil, the youngest ever Germany captain.<\/p>\n