Eppan (Italy) May 24 (IANS) Defending FIFA World Cup champions Germany stretched their legs Thursday in a training exercise in the north of Italy with just over three weeks until they embark on a campaign to defend their title when Russia hosts the competition next month.
Germany is set to open Group F with a clash against Mexico on June 17 at the Luzhinki stadium in the Russian capital Moscow reports Efe.
German football fans would be relieved to see world-class goalkeeper Manuel Neuer at the training ground in Eppan in Italy s South Tyrol region as Bayern Munich s pair of safe hands has only just recovered from what was his second metatarsal break in six months.
Joachim Loew the squad s head coach spoke with the press after the session.
One of the favourites to win in Russia Germany must navigate a reasonably difficult group that includes as well as Mexico South Korea and Sweden.

--IANS tri/vm