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Stuttgart defender Tasci pulls out of match against Wales

Stuttgart defender Serdar Tasci has pulled out of Germany's upcoming European Championship qualifying match against Wales because of a groin injury.

Coach Joachim Loew on Tuesday called up forward David Odonkor of Betis Sevilla in Tasci's place.

Tasci had been hoping to make his debut for Germany against Wales on Saturday in Cardiff.

Stuttgart defender Tasci pulls out of match against Wales - International Herald Tribune

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Odonkor brought into German squad

Germany have added Real Betis midfielder David Odonkor to their squad for Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier against Wales, following the withdrawal of Stuttgart's injured Serdar Tasci.

German coach Joachim Loew has included Odonkor for the game at the Millennium Stadium and the friendly against Romania in Cologne on September 12.

"Serdar Tasci is suffering with a groin problem," said a German Football Federation spokesman in an official statement.

Schalke 04 striker Gerald Asamoah, who was summoned for fitness tests, had to pull out of training in Cologne on Monday night. He went to hospital for observation because of a food allergy

Odonkor was in the German squad for last year's World Cup, but injured a knee in August and only returned for last month's win over England at Wembley.

Loew had initially called up Odonkor and six other players, including Asamoah, for fitness tests with the squad and Tasci's injury forced Odonkor's promotion.

The Germans are five points clear at the top of Euro 2008 qualifying Group D with the Czech Republic in second and Wales are fifth with seven points.

Odonkor brought into German squad - CNN.com

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