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The German national team have nominated their 18-man squad for the Olympic games in Rio. Both Matthias Ginter and Sven Bender will be part of the team vying to win an Olympic medal.
Bender and @MatzeGinter in Germany Olympics squad #Rio2016 https://t.co/PRBvSJIpcA pic.twitter.com/YpOcyl7Iom
— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) July 15, 2016
They are not the only prominent names that will travel to Brazil in a few weeks, Sven's twin brother Lars Bender will also be part of the team as well as his teammate in Leverkusen, Julian Brandt.
In addition, Timo Horn (Koln), Niklas Süle (Hoffenheim), Leon Goretzka, Max Meyer (both Schalke), Davie Selke (Leipzig) and Nils Petersen (Freiburg) are all players with Bundesliga-appearances under their belt, that will be joining our boys in their quest for Olympic glory.
Germany's opponents in the group stage will be South Korea, Mexico and Fiji. The tournament will start on August 3rd and will be capped of with the final on August 20th in Rio de Janeiro at the famous Maracanã Stadium.
Coach Tuchel will have to accept that both men will miss a significant part of the pre-season but will be back in time for the start of the Bundesliga season which kicks of with a home game against Mainz on August 27th.
It is a curious decision from both players to accept the invitation because both will basically forfeit their opportunity to secure starting spots in Thomas Tuchel’s team. Even though they will be back for the start of the season, by that time Bartra, Sokratis and Piszczek might have locked down their positions.
What do you think about their nomination? Good idea or wasted time? Let's discuss in the comments.