Advocaat springs surprise for German clash

Dutch coach Dick Advocaat sprung the surprises in this Group D clash at the Estadio do Drago, home of the new Champions League winners.

There were no places for Michael Reiziger, Wesley Sneijder or Arjen Robben, while the one omission expected was Patrick Kluivert, leaving Ruud van Nistelrooy to lead the attack on his own.

Germany had youngsters Kevin Kuranyi and his Stuttgart colleague Philip Lahm in the side, with coach Rudi Voller going for five in midfield.

Skipper Oliver Kahn was celebrating his 35th birthday, the same day as UEFA’s 50th.