Löw may have to give youth a chance in Amsterdam tonight

NETHERLANDS v GERMANY/PANAMA v SPAIN Germany and the Netherlands go head-to-head for the first time since this summer’s European…

NETHERLANDS v GERMANY/PANAMA v SPAINGermany and the Netherlands go head-to-head for the first time since this summer's European Championship, but Joachim Löw is struggling for numbers.

But at least the mass withdrawal of senior players will allow the Germany boss to look at some promising youngsters.

He said: “We can take this opportunity to look at those that do not get called up regularly, or have been called up for the first time.”

Juan Mata is happy to be back in the Spain squad after missing games against Belarus and France, and is ready to make a big impression against Panama.

“All Spanish players feel great joy when they are called up, and great sadness when they are not,” he said.

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • What’s making headlines in the rugby world? Listen to The Counter Ruck podcast with Nathan Johns

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered to your phone