Germany begin World Cup campaign against Liechtenstein

The landlocked alpine principality will hosts the Germans on September 6 in qualifying Group 4.

 Joachim Loew's team will follow up with a trip to Finland four days later before meeting Russia in their first home game on October 11 followed by a home game against Wales on October 15.

 Germany won't face remaining group opponents Azerbaijan until an away trip on August 19, 2009, with Azerbaijan then in Germany the following month, on September 9.

 Germany's last qualifying match will be on October 14, 2009, at home to Finland.

 The fixtures were agreed at talks in Frankfurt between representatives of the group teams.

 Loew said the fixtures were soon agreed in friendly talks lasting about 90 minutes.

 "We took in the wishes of the other nations. We are absolutely satisfied," he said.

 "I think it won't be an easy group. These are teams who will all be fighting hard for points."

   Germany are, however, group favourites, and should get off to a positive start at Liechtenstein, a team they beat 9-1 in 1996 and 8-2 in 2000 in their two previous encounters.

 Liechtenstein had not won a World Cup qualifying game until beating Luxembourg 4-0 in 2004, which was also their first away win. It had followed a surprise 2-2 draw at home to Portugal.

 In qualifying matches for Euro 2008, Liechtenstein finished bottom of their seven-team group but recorded wins at home over Latvia and Iceland.

DPA