Loew is a no show for media

BLOEMFONTEIN // Joachim Loew, the Germany coach, failed to appear for the official press conference yesterday ahead of the World Cup last 16 match against England. No player was present either - contrary to Fifa regulations - with goalkeeping coach Andreas Koepke conducting the briefing. There was speculation that Germany were angry at not being allowed to train on the Free State Stadium pitch.

Instead, they used the facilities at a nearby university complex before the press conference. Koepke said: "This is not a protest at all. People were not able to get here on time. We were not able to use the stadium. We had to use another site and tried to be punctual [for the press conference]." When pressed on what will be viewed as a snub by Loew, Koepke became irritated. "We were not able time-wise to get here," he said. "We want to be well prepared for tomorrow, that is the reason.

"We were not able to practice on the pitch for logistical reasons. But it is the same for England. We are used to it. We did not practice in the actual stadium the last two times. It is not a protest, that's the way it is." Koepke is well-informed about penalties, should it come to that again when a place in the quarter-finals is at stake. He saved Gareth Southgate's effort for England in the semi-final at Euro 96, on the way to his team winning the championship.

Koepke has no fears that Manuel Neuer, the current No 1 will rise to the challenge if needed. "I think it would be great not to have to go to a penalty shootout," Koepke said. "If we have to go for it, we are prepared. Manuel will of course get the info he needs. But I am not going to give any secrets away. "We practise penalties but cannot simulate this situation. You have got 120 minutes behind you, the atmosphere is completely different."

* PA