Germany friendly against Netherlands given green light

Germany’s friendly with Netherlands on Tuesday will go ahead, the German football federation (DFB) has confirmed.

The game in Hanover was in doubt following the terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday night which killed 129 people.

Joachim Low's side were playing France in a friendly at the Stade de France when explosions were heard. Three people died outside the stadium after two suicide attacks at entrances to the ground and another at a nearby McDonald's restaurant.

The Germany squad, who were left shaken by the attacks and stayed in their changing room overnight, flew to Frankfurt on Saturday morning and were sent back to their families while a decision was made on whether to go ahead with the game against the Dutch.

However, following a meeting it has now been confirmed that the fixture will be played.

"The message is clear. We will not be intimidated by terror," said interim DFB chief Reinhard Rauball.

"For the team to play against the Dutch only a few days after the terrible experiences in Paris is a necessary signal."

We all know how important it is to send a signal as a national team in favour of our values and culture.

Team manager Oliver Bierhoff added: "The entire team, players coaches and staff are still shocked. But we all know how important it is to send a signal as a national team in favour of our values and culture."

Lower Saxony minister for sport Boris Pistorius said every precaution would be taken by security staff to ensure it was a peaceful event where families, who bought tickets weeks ago, could feel comfortable.

"I welcome the decision by the DFB to play the game after discussions with Lower Saxony security officials. There are no reasons that would force us to cancel the game," Pistorius said.

"We also want to send a signal that these cowardly terrorists cannot run our lives."

A government spokesman also confirmed that German Chancellor Angela Merkel would attend the game along with Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere.

The decision comes after the English Football Association announced that Tuesday's friendly between England and France at Wembley will also go ahead.